Rebellion Against Henry III: The Disinherited Montfortians 1265-1274

The rebellion against Henry III, also known as the Second Barons' War, was a major conflict in English history that took place from 1265 to 1274. The rebellion was led by a group of disinherited barons, known as the Montfortians, who were opposed to the rule of Henry III. The conflict was ultimately resolved with the defeat of the Montfortians and the restoration of Henry III to the throne.

The causes of the rebellion against Henry III are complex and multifaceted. However, some of the key factors that contributed to the outbreak of the conflict include:

• The King's Misrule: Henry III was a weak and ineffective ruler. He was heavily influenced by his foreign favorites, and he made a number of unpopular decisions that alienated his barons.
• The Rise of the Montfortians: The Montfortians were a group of powerful barons who had been disinherited by Henry III. They were led by Simon de Montfort, a charismatic and ambitious nobleman.
• The Provisions of Oxford: In 1258, the barons forced Henry III to agree to the Provisions of Oxford. These provisions were designed to limit the king's power and to give the barons a greater say in the government. However, Henry III soon broke the Provisions, which led to the outbreak of the rebellion.

The rebellion against Henry III began in 1265 with the capture of the king by the Montfortians. The Montfortians then established a new government, which was led by Simon de Montfort. However, Henry III escaped from captivity in 1266 and raised an army to fight the Montfortians.

Rebellion Against Henry III: The Disinherited Montfortians, 1265–1274

by David Pilling

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The two sides clashed in a series of battles, including the Battle of Lewes (1264) and the Battle of Evesham (1265). The Montfortians were defeated at Evesham, and Simon de Montfort was killed.

The rebellion against Henry III had a number of important consequences for English history. These consequences include:

• The Decline of Royal Power: The rebellion weakened the power of the monarchy and led to the rise of Parliament.
• The Rise of Parliament: Parliament, which had been established in 1265, played an increasingly important role in English government after the rebellion.
• The End of the Barons' Wars: The rebellion against Henry III was the last of a series of barons' wars that had plagued England in the 13th century. The defeat of the Montfortians marked the end of the barons' wars and the beginning of a new era of stability in English history.

The rebellion against Henry III was a pivotal event in English history. It led to the decline of royal power, the rise of Parliament, and the end of the barons' wars. The rebellion also had a lasting impact on the development of English government and society.

Dr. John Smith is a professor of history at the University of Oxford. He is the author of several books on medieval English history, including Rebellion Against Henry III: The Disinherited Montfortians 1265-1274.

Rebellion Against Henry III: The Disinherited Montfortians, 1265–1274

by David Pilling

4.4 out of 5

FREE