Amaury de Montfort (priest) facts for kids
Amaury de Montfort (born 1242 or 1243, died 1301) was an important person in medieval England. He was the third son of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, a famous leader who helped create the first English Parliament. His mother was Eleanor of England, Countess of Leicester, who was the daughter of King John.
Contents
Amaury de Montfort's Life
Early Years and Church Career
Amaury chose a life in the church when he was young. He held several important jobs, like being the Treasurer of York Cathedral. He was also a canon (a type of priest) in cities like Rouen, Évreux, London, and Lincoln. He even served as a special chaplain for the Pope.
Family Troubles and Exile
In 1265, a big battle happened called the Battle of Evesham. Amaury's father and older brother, Henry de Montfort, were killed there by soldiers led by Prince Edward (who later became King Edward I). After this sad event, Amaury had to leave England. He fled to France with his mother, younger sister, and his other surviving brothers.
Amaury then went to the University of Padua to study medicine and theology. Meanwhile, his older brothers, Guy de Montfort, Count of Nola and Simon de Montfort the Younger, were trying to make their way in Italy.
A Difficult Time
In 1271, a very serious event happened. Amaury's brothers, Guy and Simon, were involved in a fight that led to the death of their cousin, Henry of Almain. Henry was also King Edward's cousin. The de Montfort brothers believed Henry had betrayed their father's ideas. This event happened during a church service in Viterbo. Amaury was not there and was not involved in the murder. However, because of this, his brothers were removed from the church (excommunicated). King Edward I swore he would get revenge on all of Simon de Montfort's sons, including Amaury. Simon the Younger died that same year. Guy managed to get back into the church with help from the Pope.
Capture and Release
In 1275, Amaury's mother passed away. Amaury, who was still a Papal Chaplain, then went on a sea journey with his younger sister, Eleanor de Montfort. They were sailing to Wales so Eleanor could marry her new husband, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, a Welsh prince.
However, their ship was stopped at sea by soldiers working for King Edward I. Both Amaury and Eleanor were captured. Eleanor was held for a short time and was later married to Prince Llywelyn in 1278, with King Edward even paying for the wedding.
Amaury, however, was held captive for longer. He was kept in castles like Corfe Castle and Sherborne Castle. After many requests from the Pope, Prince Llywelyn, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Amaury was finally set free in April 1282. He had to promise not to return to England unless the King invited him.
Later Life
After his release, Amaury went back to France. He never saw his sister Eleanor again, as she sadly died later that same year while giving birth. Her husband, Prince Llywelyn, also died a few months later, and North Wales became part of the English kingdom. After some years, Amaury decided to leave his church career. He became a knight. He is thought to have died in Italy sometime after 1301.
