Simon de Montfort
(1208-1265)
Died aged c. 57
Wikidata WikipediaSimon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester (c. 1208 – 4 August 1265), later sometimes referred to as Simon V de Montfort to distinguish him from his namesake relatives, was a nobleman of French origin and a member of the English peerage, who led the baronial opposition to the rule of King Henry III of England, culminating in the Second Barons' War. Following his initial victories over royal forces, he became de facto ruler of the country, and played a major role in the constitutional development of England. During his rule, Montfort called two famous parliaments. The first stripped Henry of his unlimited authority, while the second included ordinary citizens from the towns. For this reason, Montfort is regarded today as one of the progenitors of modern parliamentary democracy. As Earl of Leicester he expelled Jews from that city; as he became ruler of England he also cancelled debts owed to Jews through violent seizures of records. Montfort's party massacred the Jews of London, Worcester and Derby, killing scores of Jews from Winchester to Lincoln. After a rule of just over a year, Montfort was killed by forces loyal to the king in the Battle of Evesham.
DbPedia
Commemorated on 2 plaques
Battle of Lewes 1264 On 14th May 1264 Simon de Montfort's army of 5000 Barons and Londoners defeated royalist forces of twice that size under Henry III on the Downs northwest of Lewes. The Mise of Lewes, signed next day led to the first English parliament meeting at Westminster 20th January, 1266. This viewing platform was erected by Lewes Town Council and unveiled by the Mayor Councillor R.H Yarrow M.B.E. on 14th May 1985.
Precincts Castle, Lewes, United Kingdom where they with his army of 5000 Barons and Londoners defeated royalist forces of twice that size under Henry III on the Downs northwest of Lewes (1264)
In the Palace of the Savoy lived for many months Simon de Montfort, founder of the House of Commons. This also was the home of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, who lived here in princely luxury from 1362 to 1381
Savoy Court, London, United Kingdom where they lived