4pm. Wednesday 15th July 2015
The unveiling
A wreath made up of hedgerow, cornflower and thistle,
laid on the anniversary of the death of John Ball.
The Memorial reads;
'Things cannot go on well in England nor ever will until everything shall be in common. When there shall be neither Vassal nor Lord and all distinctions levelled - John Ball'
'At this place on 15th June 1381 Wat Tyler, John Ball and other representatives of the Great Rising met King Richard II to finalise terms for ending the Rebellion. The King had agreed to all the political reforms aimed at alleviating the plight of the people. However he and his advisors later reneged on that agreement after killing Tyler in the process near this spot. John Ball and many others of the Revolt were also later executed.'
This memorial commemorating The Great Rising of 1381
was commissioned by Matthew Bell, carved by Emily Hoffnung
and unveiled by Ken Loach on 15th July 2015.
'If the Barons merited a monument to be erected at Runnymede,
Tyler merited one in Smithfield'
Thomas Paine. 1791.
