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."]
Simon Stock,
LEARNED CARMELITE,
Was probably a member of the family which owned the manor of Stock, in the parish of Lee, in very early times. He was "the most noted and religious brother of the Carmes that ever was; the first of all his order that took a degree in this University (Oxford), and the same who many years after his death was canonized." His life has been written by Richard Smith, from the MSS. of Bale. He became general of the Carmelites in 1195.
[See "Wood's Athenæ Oxon," by Bliss, and "Fuller's Worthies."]
