 Some of the Kentish crowds now dispersed , but others continued . From this point , they appear to have been led by Wat Tyler , whom the Anonimalle Chronicle suggests was elected their leader at a large gathering at Maidstone on 7 June . Relatively little is known about Tyler 's former life ; chroniclers suggest that he was from Essex , had served in France as an archer and was a charismatic and capable leader . Several chroniclers believe that he was responsible for shaping the political aims of the revolt . Some also mention a Jack Straw as a leader among the Kentish rebels during this phase in the revolt , but it is uncertain if this was a real person , or a pseudonym for Wat Tyler or John Wrawe . 
