Sir William Walworth, Lord Mayor of London, Killing Wat Tyler in Smithfield, 1381 - Anker Smith

A detailed 1796 engraving by Anker Smith depicting the dramatic death of Wat Tyler at the hands of the Lord Mayor of London.

This engraving by Anker Smith, published in 1796, depicts the dramatic conclusion of the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. The scene captures the moment Sir William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London, strikes down the rebel leader Wat Tyler in the presence of the young King Richard II. The composition is highly theatrical, typical of the historical narrative style favoured by the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery and similar contemporary projects.

Anker Smith, a skilled engraver, translates the original painting by James Northcote into a monochrome medium with precision. The work focuses on the chaotic energy of the skirmish. Walworth is shown in the act of violence, while the young monarch, Richard II, sits atop his horse, observing the event with a composed expression. The surrounding figures, including soldiers and rebels, are rendered with careful attention to period costume and weaponry. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and urgency, drawing the viewer into the centre of the conflict at Smithfield.

Historically, this event marked the end of the uprising, which had been triggered by heavy taxation and social unrest. The print serves as a visual record of a specific interpretation of English history, emphasizing the restoration of order by the crown and city authorities. The technical execution demonstrates the high standard of British engraving during the late eighteenth century, with fine cross-hatching used to define the textures of armour, fabric, and the musculature of the horses. This piece is a fine example of how historical events were disseminated to the public through print culture, allowing for the wider circulation of dramatic, patriotic narratives.