Simon de Montfort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Simon de Montfort |
|
|---|---|
| Earl of Leicester | |
 |
|
| Simon de Montfort, in a drawing of a stained glass window found at Chartres Cathedral | |
|
|
|
| Title held | 1239 – 4 August 1265 |
| Predecessor | Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester |
| Successor | None, title forfeit |
| Spouse | Eleanor of England |
Simon de Montfort (born around 1208, died August 4, 1265) was an important nobleman. He had both French and English family roots. He became the Earl of Leicester in England.
He led a big rebellion against King Henry III of England. This happened during a time called the Second Barons' War (1263–1264). For a short time, Montfort actually ruled England.
During his time in power, Montfort held two famous meetings. These meetings are now known as parliaments. He is remembered for helping to create modern parliamentary democracy.
Montfort was killed by the King's supporters. This happened in the Battle of Evesham.
Contents
Who Was Simon de Montfort?
Simon de Montfort was born around 1208. He came from a powerful family. His family had lands and titles in both France and England. He inherited the title of Earl of Leicester. This made him a very important person in England.
Early Life and Marriage
Simon de Montfort was the son of another Simon de Montfort. His father was also a famous leader. In 1238, Simon married Eleanor of England. She was the sister of King Henry III. This marriage was a big deal. It connected Montfort directly to the royal family.
Leading a Rebellion Against the King
King Henry III was not always popular. Many powerful nobles, called barons, were unhappy. They felt the King was not ruling fairly. They also thought he spent too much money.
The Second Barons' War
Simon de Montfort became a leader for these unhappy barons. They wanted to limit the King's power. This led to a conflict known as the Second Barons' War. It was a fight between the King and his nobles.
Montfort's Victory at Lewes
In 1264, Montfort's army fought the King's army. This battle was called the Battle of Lewes. Montfort won this battle. He captured King Henry III and his son, Prince Edward. After this victory, Montfort became the real ruler of England.
Simon de Montfort and Parliament
Montfort is famous for his ideas about government. He believed that more people should have a say. He wanted to limit the King's power.
The Oxford Parliament
In 1258, before the war, Montfort helped create the Oxford Parliament. This meeting made rules for the King. It took away some of his unlimited power. This was a big step towards shared rule.
The Parliament of 1265
In 1265, Montfort called another parliament. This one was very special. For the first time, he invited ordinary citizens. These citizens came from towns and cities. They joined the nobles and church leaders. This meeting happened at the Palace of Westminster.
This was a new idea for the time. It meant that people who were not nobles could help make decisions. This is why Montfort is often called a "father of Parliament." He helped create the idea of a government that represents many people.
Challenges and Downfall
While Montfort was in power, he made some difficult decisions. He cancelled debts that people owed to Jewish lenders. This caused problems for many Jewish families. Their records were taken away. In some cities, this led to violence.
The Battle of Evesham
Montfort's rule did not last long. Prince Edward, the King's son, escaped. He gathered an army loyal to the King. In August 1265, Montfort's forces met Prince Edward's army. This was the Battle of Evesham.
Montfort was defeated in this battle. He was killed on August 4, 1265. His death ended the rebellion. King Henry III was put back on the throne.
Legacy of Simon de Montfort
Even though he lost his life, Simon de Montfort left a lasting mark. His ideas about Parliament were very important. He showed that a king's power could be limited. He also showed that ordinary people could be part of government.
Today, many people see him as a hero. He helped lay the groundwork for modern democracy. His statue stands in Leicester. A relief of him is even in the United States House of Representatives.
Images for kids
-
Eleanor of England, who married Montfort in 1238, depicted in the early-fourteenth-century Genealogical Roll of the Kings of England
-
Statue of Montfort on the Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower in Leicester
-
Site of the Battle of Lewes in 1264
-
Relief of Simon de Montfort in the Chamber of the United States House of Representatives
-
Memorial stone, erected in 1965, on the site of de Montfort's grave at Evesham Abbey in Worcestershire
See also
In Spanish: Simón de Montfort, VI conde de Leicester para niños
