Wat Tyler

An overcast end to the week here, but that didn't stop us venturing out for an hour.  And we went to nearby Wat Tyler Country Park for a change.  We'd not been for years so today was really more of a scouting trip for reference for future visits, but we were really impressed with the small part of the 125 Acre site that we saw!

It's known mainly for the history of the area, kids events, and the wildlife, but there's plenty of other stuff going on including a sculpture trail, this being one of them which was very striking.  It's all to do with the 1381 Peasants Revolt which originated here in south essex, and Wat Tyler was the leader - and at the head of this sculpture.. All beautifully carved from sweet chestnut trees!   Every day is a school day lol

5. After the uprising
7 sweet chestnut trees 2006, Robert Koenig
In 1381 peasants from the Essex marshland villages marched on London to protest against the poll tax. The rebellion was quickly suppressed. Most of the rebels were allowed to go home but the leaders were pursued, captured and executed. The leader of the peasant’s revolt was Wat Tyler.
In order to represent this mass of humanity marching on London Robert Koenig chose to carve 7 symbolic figures from sweet chestnut trees. Wat Tyler stands proudly at the front of this group, other figures are bound and captive behind him. Sited in this clearing and looking as if they have just emerged from the wooded area behind, the eleven foot carvings convey a sense of the drama of the event and its often overlooked importance in the history of the area