King Henry III, Simon de Montfort and the Second Barons’ War (1264-65)

Question 1

What caused the rebellion to erupt?;

Answer 1

• His overtaxation
• Listening to foreign advice
• His distrustness in failing to honour his contract with the barons
• He struggled to control England because he was unable to overcome his barons in a civil war

Question 2

What happened and how did this challenge the power of the monarchy?

Answer 2

• Simon de Montfort forced Henry to stop having foreign advisors
• For a short while (short term impact) Henry also had a council of 15 barons chosen which took away his right to rule alone.

Question 3

How significant was this challenge to the monarchy? Compare to the other two events;

Answer 3

• Simon De Montefort created the parliament (long term impact) which made sure that the king could not rule alone.
• The King John I, the Magna Carta and the First Barons’ War (1215-1217) challenge only had the short-term impact of the magna carta.
• The Peasants revolt was a challenge that included most people whereas the challenge; King Henry III, Simon de Montfort and the Second Barons’ War (1264-65) was only between the barons and king.

Question 4

What happened?

Answer 4

Henry’s early reign was successful. As Henry grew older, he wanted more power for himself. This left Henry with little money. The only people Henry could ask for money from were his barons. This pushed the barons too far and they turned to Simon de Montfort. He began a civil war- The Second Barons’ War. Simon defeated and captured Henry at the Battle of Lewes in 1264. This was made up of barons, churchmen, two knights from each shire and two men from each town. By creating a parliament Simon de Montfort hoped to be able to rule England. Many barons had previously questioned and criticised kings. So, some barons turned towards Henry’s son, Edward. Edward was able to create an army and then defeat Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Evesham in 1265.