William Grindecobbe motivated at least in part to rebel as a result of the pressures of papal taxation. Along with Wat Tyler and John Wrawe, he was one of the key leaders of the peasants during the revolt of 1381, leading the townspeople of St Alban's on 15 June. He was executed in 1381 along with John Wrawe and John Ball. His trial and execution was overseen by Henry le Despenser. During the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, he became well known for his actions against the high lord Thomas de la Mare, Abbot of St. Albans. He led a deputation to King
Thomas Baker (Peasants' Revolt leader) Thomas Baker (Peasants' Revolt leader) Thomas Baker, an English landowner, was one of the leaders who initiated the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. Thomas Baker's holding was "Pokattescroft alias Bakerescroft" in Fobbing. This holding still exists, although by the time of the 19th century tithe map it had become known as Whitehall Six Acres The Peasants' Revolt was triggered by incidents in the Essex villages of Fobbing and Brentwood. On 30 May, John Brampton attempted to collect the poll tax from villagers at Fobbing. The villagers, led by Thomas Baker, a local landowner, told Brampton that they would give him nothing