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The Wat Tyler pub on High Street (centre of the picture) is said to be one of the halts of Walter "Wat" Tyler (1341-81), leader of the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381, on his way from Kent to London. Reacting to the introduction of an oppressive poll tax that King Richard II had imposed because insufficient income had been collected during the previous year, Tyler led a mixed group including peasants, craftsmen and tradesmen and entered the city of London at the head of a rabble of over 50,000 souls. After crossing London Bridge without any resistance the rebels gained entry to the Tower of London and captured Simon Sudbury, the unpopular Archbishop of Canterbury and behead him and several of his followers. During subsequent rioting, the rebels also destroyed the Savoy palace that belonged to John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster (the king's uncle). Richard II agreed to meet the leaders of the revolt and listen to their demands. Wat Tyler decided to ride to meet the king alone and parley with him but the unarmed leader was suddenly attacked without warning and killed by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Walworth, and John Cavendish, a member of the king's group. This unprovoked betrayal of the truce flag and the death of Tyler's threw the rabble into a panic. Not being organized as a military force, they broke ranks and fleed for their lives.
©David Hallam-Jones
This mural was commissioned by Dartford Borough Council as part of its millennium celebrations. The mural, title 'One town that changed the world' is painted in artists acrylics and depicts Dartford's notable contribution to the world through it's industrial heritage.
©PAUL FARMER
Bullace Lane, off the A226 (High Street), that runs along one side of The Wat Tyler pub. This is said to be one of the halts of Walter "Wat" Tyler (1341-81), leader of the English Peasants' Revolt of 1381, on his way from Kent to London. Reacting to the introduction of an oppressive poll tax that King Richard II had imposed because insufficient income had been collected during the previous year, Tyler led a mixed group including peasants, craftsmen and tradesmen and entered the city of London at the head of a rabble of over 50,000 souls. After crossing London Bridge without any resistance the rebels gained entry to the Tower of London and captured Simon Sudbury, the unpopular Archbishop of Canterbury and behead him and several of his followers. During subsequent rioting, the rebels also destroyed the Savoy palace that belonged to John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster (the king's uncle). Richard II agreed to meet the leaders of the revolt and listen to their demands. Wat Tyler decided to ride to meet the king alone and parley with him but the unarmed leader was suddenly attacked without warning and killed by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Walworth, and John Cavendish, a member of the king's group. This unprovoked betrayal of the truce flag and the death of Tyler's threw the rabble into a panic. Not being organized as a military force, they broke ranks and fleed for their lives.
©David Hallam-Jones
Some rather old buildings, on the right is the Wat Tyler pub.
©Robin Webster
On 74 High Street. This part of the High Street is normally pedestrianized but on Sunday rules are relaxed.
©David Anstiss
In the High Street adjacent to the Holy Trinity Church [[894037]] reputed to have been frequented by Wat Tyler, hence the name the Wat Tyler now serves the market in the High Street on Saturdays [[894690]]
©Ken Brown
On Overy Liberty Road. Has had rich history. In 1415, Henry V held a thanksgiving service here after the Battle of Agincourt. After his death in 1422, Henry's body lay overnight in the church for a requiem mass. Near the altar is the tomb of Sir John Spillman, who founded England's first successful paper mill in Dartford in 1588. There is also a dramatic wall painting of St. George and the Dragon c.1470. It was covered later with whitewash but revealed in 1830's. Important brasses in the church, include that of Richard Martyn and his wife from the 15th century, and of William D'eath, a founder of Dartford Grammar School, dated 1590.
©David Anstiss
From the east side of the Darent River you can still see the old church boundary wall. Now about 1.2mts high it used to be over 2.5mrs high before the riverbank was raised to prevent flooding. The steps [[897868]] were added to enable riverside access.
©Ken Brown
London-bound traffic using the A226 road passes Holy Trinity Church here and is then obliged to bear left as a result of the pedestrianisation of the original High Street ahead. This shot was taken from the "Bridge House" area at the point where traffic wishing to enter Arcacia Hall - the former Burroughs Wellcome Chemical Company social club - turns off to the left at the bottom left of this picture.
©David Hallam-Jones
©Stacey Harris
Situated on the 12th Century site of the original church next to the River Darent at the site of the original ford.
©Ken Brown
On the East of the River Darent 10mts downstream from Dartford Bridge [[897028]] the steps lead down to the river from the footpath adjacent to the Holy Trinity Church [[894037]. The main users are pigeons and ducks so take some bread.
©Ken Brown
©pam fray
Holy Trinity Church was built by Bishop Gundulf c.1080. There is good evidence to suggest that a much earlier church occupied the site in Saxon times. The church provided a focus for the religious and ceremonial life of medieval Dartford. The building was significantly enlarged during the reign of Henry III (1216-72).
©PAUL FARMER
This view along the A226 towards Overy Liberty (a.k.a. East Hill) provides glimpses of Holy Trinity Church, Dartford Bridge crossing the River Darent (bordered by railings) and the 18th century "Bridge House". Bridge House was once a combined doctor's house and surgery. The last G.P. to have lived and worked in it was Dr Maurice Renton, father of Lord Renton, a Tory M.P. and Government Minister. It was used for council offices until the mid-80s and now hosts private office accommodation. The road in front of it carries vehicles and pedestrians towards the front of the Grade II-listed Arcacia Club, the former Burroughs Wellcome Chemical Company's Social Club. The latter is now a private-owned leisure complex with function rooms and other facilities.
©David Hallam-Jones

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