OCR Specification focus:
‘De Montfort’s seizure of power (1263); the emergence of Lord Edward; second Barons’ War; Battle of Lewes and results (1264); the form of government of June 1264.’
The crisis of 1263–1264 saw Simon de Montfort seize authority, Lord Edward emerge as a key royalist leader, and the Battle of Lewes reshape England’s politics.
The Seizure of Power in 1263
In 1263, Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, launched a direct challenge to the authority of Henry III. Montfort capitalised on widespread dissatisfaction with the King’s reliance on foreign favourites, especially the Poitevins (relatives of Henry’s Lusignan half-brothers), and on resentment at the King’s financial demands.
By rallying discontented barons and appealing to wider political grievances, Montfort returned from exile and raised forces. His cause was bolstered by the claim that Henry had failed to uphold the Provisions of Oxford (1258), which had imposed limitations on royal power and required government through a baronial council.
Montfort gathered support particularly among the ‘middle baronage’ and knights of the shire, who sought reform of royal justice and financial abuses.
He styled himself as a reformer, championing the principles of good governance and the rule of law over arbitrary royal authority.
In late 1263, Montfort briefly controlled the government after forcing Henry to accept further reforms, though these were fragile and contested.
Lord Edward’s Emergence
During this period, Lord Edward (the future Edward I) began to emerge as a significant political and military figure. The eldest son of Henry III, Edward initially displayed a measure of sympathy for the reforming cause. However, his loyalty shifted firmly to his father’s camp as conflict deepened.
Lord Edward: The eldest son of Henry III, later Edward I, who gained military experience and political prominence during the Second Barons’ War.
Edward distinguished himself as a determined commander. He sought to reclaim royal authority and quickly earned a reputation for boldness, though also for recklessness. His actions would prove pivotal in the conflict that followed.
The Outbreak of the Second Barons’ War
By 1264, tensions had escalated into outright civil war, known as the Second Barons’ War (1264–1267). Neither side was willing to compromise:
Royalists (supporters of Henry III and Edward) fought to re-establish the King’s authority.
Reformists, under Montfort, insisted on enforcing and expanding the Provisions of Oxford.
Skirmishes and sieges spread across the country, with castles becoming focal points of the struggle. Disorder in the localities reflected the wider breakdown of central authority.
The Battle of Lewes, 14 May 1264
The most decisive moment came at the Battle of Lewes, fought in Sussex. Montfort’s forces, though smaller, were strategically positioned and disciplined, while the royalists relied heavily on numbers and Edward’s aggressive leadership.
Key stages of the battle:
Edward’s cavalry charge drove back Montfort’s left wing, but Edward pursued too far, removing himself from the main field.
Montfort used this opportunity to regroup and press against Henry’s central and right divisions.
The royal army collapsed, and both Henry III and Lord Edward were captured.
The battle was a stunning victory for Montfort.
Battle of Lewes (1264): A decisive conflict in the Second Barons’ War where Montfort’s forces defeated the royalists, capturing Henry III and Lord Edward.
Results and Consequences of Lewes
Following Lewes, Montfort imposed a new political settlement:
Henry III remained king in name but was effectively powerless.
Lord Edward was held hostage, ensuring Montfort’s control over the crown.
The Mise of Lewes, an agreement to end the conflict, confirmed Montfort’s dominant position, though it was contested and unstable.
This ushered in the form of government of June 1264, where Montfort ruled through a council. It was a radical experiment in limiting royal power, placing governance in the hands of the baronial elite with a promise of broader consultation.
Key features included:
A tripartite council involving representatives of the King, Montfort, and the wider baronage.
Measures to ensure greater accountability in royal finances and justice.
Continued exclusion of Henry’s foreign favourites, reinforcing the nationalist element of Montfort’s programme.
The Wider Significance
Montfort’s rule after Lewes was precarious. Although he presented himself as the defender of lawful reform, his dominance alienated other barons who feared he had replaced royal tyranny with his own.
The captivity of Edward provided only a temporary check, as Edward’s eventual escape in 1265 would reverse Montfort’s fortunes.
The settlement after Lewes marked a profound moment in the struggle between monarchy and nobility, shaping the evolution of constitutional government in England.
The events of 1263–1264, and especially the Battle of Lewes, illustrated the fragility of royal authority under Henry III and the growing influence of political reform movements. Montfort’s seizure of power and Edward’s emergence as a military leader laid foundations for the continued conflict and reordering of English politics in the mid-13th century.
FAQ
The Mise of Lewes was a peace settlement imposed immediately after Montfort’s victory. It aimed to end hostilities by formalising the King’s submission to a baronial council.
However, the precise terms are unclear as no original text survives. Chroniclers suggest it confirmed Montfort’s dominance and sought to restore order by limiting royal authority.
Its ambiguity contributed to ongoing instability, as many royalists refused to recognise it as legitimate.
Montfort benefited from significant local backing in Sussex, particularly from townspeople in Lewes. They supported the baronial cause, partly due to grievances about royal taxation and justice.
This support provided Montfort with supplies and knowledge of the terrain, particularly the high ground at Offham Hill.
The townspeople’s cooperation also ensured that royalist troops quartered in the Priory and Castle were under pressure within hostile territory.
Montfort deliberately chose to deploy his forces on Offham Hill, giving them the advantage of height.
Key effects of this terrain included:
Forcing the royalists to charge uphill, tiring their men.
Allowing Montfort’s troops to hold a disciplined line with greater stability.
Limiting the effectiveness of the larger royalist force, neutralising their numbers.
Edward’s cavalry pursuit left the high ground unprotected, accelerating the royalist collapse.
Continental rulers and the Papacy watched events closely. Henry III’s weakened position alarmed the Pope, who had previously supported the King’s authority.
Some French nobles, sympathetic to Henry through dynastic ties, expressed concern that Montfort’s victory threatened stability across the Channel.
Montfort’s reliance on constitutional reform over monarchy was viewed with suspicion, as it challenged traditional models of kingship in medieval Europe.
Montfort framed his actions as a defence of lawful reform, arguing Henry had broken his oath to uphold the Provisions of Oxford.
He emphasised his role as a protector of the realm, not a usurper, by insisting his authority derived from collective baronial agreement.
Montfort also invoked religious justification, presenting himself as enforcing God’s will against corruption and misrule, strengthening his moral case against the King.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks)
Identify two consequences of the Battle of Lewes (1264).
Mark Scheme:
1 mark for each correct consequence identified, up to a maximum of 2 marks.
Acceptable answers include:
Capture of Henry III.
Capture of Lord Edward.
Imposition of the Mise of Lewes.
De Montfort gaining effective control of government.
Question 2 (5 marks)
Explain why Lord Edward played an important role in the events leading to the Battle of Lewes (1264).
Mark Scheme:
Level 1 (1–2 marks): General description with limited focus on Edward’s role, e.g. "Edward was Henry’s son and fought at Lewes."
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Clear explanation with some detail, e.g. "Edward led the royalist cavalry charge, initially successful but pursued too far, weakening the royalist position."
Level 3 (5 marks): Developed explanation showing range and significance, e.g. "Edward emerged as a key military commander for the royalists. His aggressive cavalry attack at Lewes initially drove back Montfort’s flank, but his reckless pursuit removed him from the main battlefield, leaving Henry’s centre vulnerable. This directly contributed to the collapse of the royalist army and allowed Montfort to capture both Henry and Edward."
