P+P chapter 2 Simon de Montfort Flashcards
Who was Simon de Montfort?
- Earl of Leicester from 1239 to his death
- Originally one of Henry III’s favourites and a steward
- Married Eleanor, Henry’s sister
- Reclaimed land for Henry abroad
- Eventually opposed the king
Why was Henry III seen as too pious?
He increased payments to Pope Innocent IV to fight the Sicilian. Upon failing to make these payments, the pope threatened to excommunicate him. Henry also gave top jobs in the English church to Italian Clergy.
What was the relationship between Henry III and France?
Henry married into the House of Lusignan, so had close ties with France. He allowed French men into parliament and his advisor, Peter de Roches, was French. This alarmed the barons as the English disliked the French.
Why did Henry III raise taxes?
To fund campaigns in finance to win back the land his father had lost.
What happened between Simon de Montfort and the French Campaign?
In 1230, Henry III lost campaigns in Brittany and Gascony. In 1248, Simon de Montfort was sent to France to try again. He crushed the rebels and established order.
Why was Henry III unhappy with Simon de Montfort in 1248?
Henry was angry at de Montfort’s use of force on the French and started an inquiry. Although de Montfort was found innocent, he was furious. Henry then put his son, Edward in charge of the campaigns instead, intensifying his anger.
Why was Henry III in crisis in 1254?
Henry’s payments to the Pope angered the barons and they refused to fund his schemes. He needed the support of the barons to raise taxes for the Pope, which they wouldn’t allow. Missed payments could result in excommunication
When were the Provisions of Oxford signed?
1258
What did the Provisions of Oxford state?
- council of 15 barons in charge of the Great Council: elected by 24 men –> 12 by the king and 12 by the barons
- foreign members of the royal household would be banished
- castles to be held be Englishmen
- each county ha a sheriff and taxes would be decided locally
What was the impact of the Provisions of Oxford?
Gave the barons majority of power and they could make decisions without the king’s approval but the king couldn’t make any without the barons.
What was the opposition to the Provisions of Oxford?
Older barons, such as Richard de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester, disliked the Provisions of Oxford because they lost influence and the feudal system was breaking up
When and what were the Provisions of Oxford extended to?
In 1259, to the Provisions of Westminster
What were the Provisions of Westminster?
Reformed local governments and forced barons to accept demands made by their tenants, upsetting many
How did Henry III return to power in 1261?
The barons were divided over the Provisions of Westminster, Henry wrote to the Pope to cancel the provisions. In 1261, the Pope released Henry from the provisions and appointed his own men to the council. de Montfort went to France
How was the Second Baron’s War started?
After 3 years of Henry III’s revived rule, the barons sent for de Montfort and started the Second Baron’s War
Why was the Battle of Lewes significant?
In 1264, the barons and de Montfort were successful at the Battle of Lewes, where they captured the king and imprisoned his son, Prince Edward. de Montfort began running the country
What did de Montfort do in 1265?
Called a meeting of the Great Council, inviting knights and burgesses, increasing support where he lacked it from the barons. The burgesses represented the growing merchant class and for the first time commoners had their voiced heard
Why were the barons angry at de Montfort in 1265?
The barons thought de Montfort was an autocrat and released Prince Edward to raise an army against him
What happened at the Battle of Evesham?
4 August 1265, de Montfort fell from his horse at the Battle of Evesham. His body was cut to pieces and sent round the country
What was the Model Parliament?
When Edward came to power, he called a Model Parliament in 1295. It resembled modern parliament. The lords were invited and the commoners were elected. The voting was not in secret
What was de Montfort’s significance?
His parliament was not perfect but he was influential in the commoners’ growth of power
