Popular revolts by the poor and peasants in England were rare in the 12th century, and quickly and easily suppressed.
[1] Fitz Osbert was a striking figure who held demagogue-like charismatic power over his followers.
A contemporary remarked "He was of ready wit, moderately skilled in literature, and eloquent beyond measure; and wishing ... to make himself a great name, he began to scheme ... upon the achievement of mighty plans.
[3] He had gathered over 52,000 supporters, and stocks of weapons were cached throughout the city for the purpose of breaking into the houses of the rich citizens of London.
Most of his supporters however, feared to defend the church by force, and Hubert surrounded it with armed men and had it burned down.
Within days he was convicted and "first drawn asunder by horses, and then hanged on a gibbet with nine of his accomplices who refused to desert him".