JACK CADE led a popular revolt between April-July 1450 against the government. It stemmed from local grievances regarding the corruption, maladministration and abuse of power of the king’s closest advisors and local officials, as well as recent military losses in France during the Hundred Years’ War.
Apart from the Cornish rebellion of 1497, it was the largest popular uprising to take place in England during the 15th century with estimates of 5,000 people taking part.
Once the rebellion entered London, the rebels lost control and began to loot- Cade fled, but was caught by Alexander Iden, the future High Sheriff of Kent,
No one knows the true identify of Cade since he left no personal documents.
His association with Ashford is somewhat tentative. In William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2, Cade converses with “Dick, the Butcher from Ashford”. Some sources put his wounding and capture at Hothfield, although others give it as Heathfield or Lewes.