Battle of Northampton (1264) facts for kids

The remains of Northampton Castle

The Battle of Northampton was an important fight during the Second Barons' War in England. This war was fought between King Henry III of England and a group of powerful nobles, called barons. The barons were led by Simon de Montfort (often called "the Older").

The battle took place on April 5, 1264. It was a big win for the King's forces. They managed to capture Northampton Castle. They also captured Simon de Montfort (often called "the Younger"), who was the son of the baron leader.

Why the Battle Happened

The Start of the War

The Second Barons' War began in April 1264. King Henry III had promised to follow rules set by the barons, called the Provisions of Oxford. These rules would have given the barons more power. However, the Pope said the King did not have to keep this promise.

So, King Henry III gathered his army. He raised his royal flag in Oxford on April 3. This showed he was ready to fight.

Royal Forces Reach Northampton

A group of the King's soldiers arrived at Northampton on the evening of April 5. They told the people defending the town to give up. But the defenders refused. They hoped that Simon de Montfort (the Older) would arrive soon to help them.

How the Battle Unfolded

Attacking the Town

On April 5, 1264, the King's army attacked. Some soldiers moved across the grassy areas south of the town. They used simple tools, perhaps ladders, to attack the main gate.

At the same time, another group of soldiers rode around the western side of the town. They were looking for an easier way to get inside.

Finding a Weak Spot

The townspeople defending the southern part of Northampton fought hard. They stopped the first attack. But the other group of royal soldiers found a weak spot. They found a hole in a garden wall near St. Andrew's Priory, which was in the north of the town.

Simon the Younger is Captured

Simon de Montfort (the Younger) quickly rode to this broken wall. He was with his squire and a sergeant. They tried to stop the King's soldiers from getting in. But Simon was captured during this fight.

His capture caused a lot of confusion among the defenders. They became disorganized. Simon de Montfort (the Older) tried to rescue his son and help his forces. But it was too late. On April 6, Northampton Castle fell to the King's army.

What Happened to the University

A Short-Lived University

There was a university in Northampton at the time, called the University of Northampton. It existed from 1261 to 1265. This was only the third university in England, after Oxford and Cambridge.

Some people from this university may have helped the barons against the King. This might have been one reason why King Henry III decided to close it.

The King's Decree

Bishops and important nobles told King Henry III that the University of Northampton was a threat. They worried it would take students away from Oxford University.

So, in 1265, King Henry III closed the university. He also signed a special order, called a Royal Decree. This decree said that no university could ever be built in Northampton again.

However, this old decree was later changed. A new law was passed in the 21st century. This new law allowed a university to be built in Northampton once more.