Peter de Montfort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter de Montfort
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The Montfort family shield, showing their colors and design.
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| Prolocutor of the English Parliament | |
| In office 1258–1264 |
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| Monarch | Henry III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1205 |
| Died | 4 August 1265 (aged 59–60) Battle of Evesham |
| Spouse | Alice Audley |
| Children |
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Peter de Montfort (around 1205 – August 4, 1265) was an important English nobleman, soldier, and diplomat. He lived at Beaudesert Castle. Peter de Montfort is famous for being the first person recorded to lead the English Parliament. His role was called a parlour or prolocutor, which is now known as the Speaker of the House of Commons.
In 1258, Peter was chosen by other powerful nobles, called barons, to represent them. This happened during a big disagreement with King Henry III about how the country should be run. Later, he strongly supported Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester against the King. Both Peter and Simon de Montfort died fighting at the Battle of Evesham on August 4, 1265.
Contents
Peter de Montfort's Life Story
Peter de Montfort was the son of Thurstan de Montfort. His mother was the daughter of William I de Cantilupe, a powerful official for King John.
His Family and Home
Peter's main home was Beaudesert Castle in Warwickshire. This castle was built by an earlier family member, Thurstan de Montfort. It is believed that Peter de Montfort added stone walls to the castle's inner area. This work was finished in early 1216.
After his father died, Peter was looked after by his grandfather, William I de Cantilupe. During this time, Peter became good friends with his uncle, Walter de Cantilupe, who later became a bishop. In 1236, Peter went on a religious journey to Spain with another uncle.
Early Adventures and Royal Service
In 1242, Peter joined King Henry III on a trip to France. At one point, he took part in a forbidden knightly competition called a tournament. Because of this, the King took his lands away, but they were given back in 1245.
Beaudesert Castle was very close to Kenilworth Castle, which was the home of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. This closeness likely brought Peter into Simon's group of friends. Peter helped Simon with many important documents. In 1248, he traveled with Simon to France. By 1251, he was back in England, looking after Horston Castle.
Peter also traveled to Spain with the King's son, Edward I, in 1254. He helped the King with his debts in France. For the next two years, Peter went on many important diplomatic missions for King Henry III. By 1257, he was part of the King's royal council. He also held important jobs in the Welsh Marches and as a Sheriff in England.
Leading the Barons' Revolt
In April 1258, Peter de Montfort and Simon de Montfort were among seven powerful nobles who rebelled against King Henry III. This event was part of the Second Barons' War. Peter and Simon were also among twelve nobles who created plans to change how England was governed. These plans were called the Provisions of Oxford.
Peter de Montfort led a meeting of Parliament in Oxford in 1258. The King's supporters called it the "Mad Parliament". Peter was the first person recorded to lead the Commons, a role later known as the Speaker. He was called a 'parlour' or 'prolocutor' then.
In 1259, Peter traveled to France with the King and Queen to arrange a peace treaty. He was also named as someone who would carry out Simon de Montfort's wishes after his death.
Conflict and Capture
In 1261, the Pope said King Henry III did not have to follow the Provisions of Oxford. Peter de Montfort was one of three people chosen by the barons to talk with the King. Peter began to strongly support the barons' side. Because of this, the Sheriff of Warwickshire was told to stop him from making Beaudesert Castle stronger.
Peter joined other barons in attacking Worcester in 1263. A temporary peace was made later that year. Peter was then put in charge of Corfe Castle and Shirburn Castle.
Civil war started again in March 1264. Peter de Montfort sided with Simon de Montfort against the King. On April 3, Peter and his two sons, Peter and Robert, were at Northampton Castle. The castle was taken by the King's forces two days later. Peter and his sons were captured and sent to Windsor. They were set free after Simon de Montfort won the Battle of Lewes.
Final Years and Death
After Simon de Montfort's victory, Peter de Montfort became part of a nine-member council that advised the King. He played a very important role in the government. In September, he helped negotiate changes to the English government in France. He was also given land and put in charge of Whittington Castle and Hereford Castle. He traveled with Simon de Montfort into Wales and helped manage the royal seal.
Peter de Montfort was with Simon de Montfort in his last battle. He was killed with Simon at the Battle of Evesham on August 4, 1265. His two sons, Peter and Robert, were also in the battle. They were both hurt and captured.
Peter de Montfort's burial place is not known. His wife, Alice, survived him. His family line through his sons ended in 1367.
Peter de Montfort's family shield showed eight stripes of gold and blue.
Family and Children
Peter de Montfort married Alice Audley. They had two sons: Peter and Robert.
His oldest son, Peter de Montfort (who died before March 4, 1287), took over his father's lands. He was pardoned by King Henry III for his actions during the war. He married Maud de la Mare. They had a son named John and two daughters, Elizabeth and Alice.
- John de Montfort, Baron Montfort (died before May 11, 1296). He became a powerful noble, known as Lord Montfort. He married Alice de la Plaunche. They had a son, John de Montfort, who became the 2nd Baron Montfort. This John died in battle in 1314 without children. His younger brother, Peter de Montfort, became the 3rd Baron Montfort. He also died without sons, so the title was shared between his two sisters.
- Elizabeth de Montfort married William Montagu, 2nd Baron Montagu. They had many children, including William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury, a very important noble.
- Alice de Montfort married Warin de Lisle. They had a son, Robert de Lisle, 1st Baron Lisle. Alice later married Robert FitzWalter, 1st Baron FitzWalter.
