Battle of Lewes facts for kids

The Battle of Lewes was a very important battle in England's history. It happened near the town of Lewes, in Sussex, on May 14, 1264. This battle was one of the two main fights in a big conflict called the Second Barons' War.

Why the Battle Happened

The two armies fighting at Lewes were led by King Henry III of England and a rebel leader named Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. King Henry's son, Prince Edward, fought alongside his father.

Many powerful lords, called noblemen or barons, were unhappy with how King Henry was ruling the country. They wanted more say in the government. They wanted to hold a Parliament regularly to discuss important things like taxes.

King Henry did not agree to their demands. So, both sides began to gather their armies. Before the battle, Simon de Montfort tried to make a truce with the king. But King Henry refused, and both armies prepared for war.

How the Battle Was Fought

The king's army was much larger, almost twice the size of the rebel army. The battle started when the barons' forces attacked the king's men who were looking for supplies. At first, it seemed like the king's army would easily win.

Prince Edward, who was only 25, was very brave but also a bit too eager. He led the cavalry (soldiers on horseback). His cavalry fought well and chased some of the rebels who were running away.

However, this was a big mistake. While Prince Edward was off chasing the fleeing soldiers, the rest of the rebel army managed to win the main battle. King Henry was left with only two groups of soldiers. He led one group, and his brother, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, led the other.

King Henry's group fought hard but was eventually pushed back by the barons' reserve forces. Cornwall's group did not do well from the start. Cornwall himself ran away and hid in a windmill, but the barons quickly captured him.

What Happened After

Because of this battle, King Henry III was forced to sign an agreement called the Mise of Lewes. This document gave the rebel barons what they wanted: more power in the government.

However, the barons' victory did not last long. About a year later, they were defeated at the Battle of Evesham.

Images for kids

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  Monument to the Battle of Lewes