Men of Kent and Kentishmen/Jack Straw
Jack Straw,
PEASANT LEADER,
And companion of Wat Tyler in the rebellion which they headed in the 5th year of Richard II., is commonly said to have been born in a small cottage at Pepingstraw in the parish of Godwell, whence he assumed his name. It is more probable, however, that like the titles of the other leaders Tyler, Miller, Carter, etc., the name of Straw was given him in reference to his occupation as a thresher or thatcher. In the insurrection he is said to have been second in command, and to have headed the men of Essex. Little, however, is known for certain about him, except that he was taken, tried and beheaded for his part in the rebellion, and that his head was exhibited on London Bridge by the side of Tyler's, 1381. Before his death he is said to have confessed the designs of the insurgents.
[See "Hasted's Kent."]