SIMON de MONTFORT, 6th Earl of Leicester ( Of Norman Descent becoming a Famous Englishman)
Soldier, Statesman and Politician
The de Montfort family came to England with William the Conqueror. Simon de Montfort was born in 1208. In 1238 he married the King’s sister, Eleanor.
He travelled to the Crusades, but never saw combat.
In 1258 he became leader of a group of barons who initiated the Provisions of Oxford which were significant in that, for the first time, the Crown had to recognise the rights and powers of Parliament. The provisions allowed for a council of 24 members who could supervise, and rule against, the wishes of the King. Prince Edward, the future King, believed the council should be an advisory body only. Civil war followed. De Montfort led the barons to victory at Lewes in May 1264. The King and his heir were captured. In effect de Montfort became ruler of England and summoned knights and burgesses to a parliament in January 1265 thus founding the House of Commons.
However, Prince Edward escaped from captivity and defeated de Montfort at the Battle of Evesham in August 1265. Simon de Montfort was killed in the battle and he is commemorated by a monument in Abbey Park, Evesham. The inscription reads:
Here were buried the remains of
SIMON DE MONTFORT, EARL OF LEICESTER
pioneer of representative government who was
killed in the Battle of Evesham on 4 August 1265.
This stone brought from his birthplace the
Castle of Montfort-l’Amaury in France
was erected to commemorate the seven hundredth
anniversary of his death.
Unveiled by the Speaker of the House of Commons
and dedicated by
His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury
on the 18th day of July 1965.