| The baronial reform movement of the reign of Henry III was able to
use the king to give them more power over the running of the country, but
this can be seen to have begun to fail after 1259. It appears this was
mainly achieved by Henry's visit to France in early 1529, because by doing
this he was able to divide the barons, half who followed him to the French
court and the other half left with the justiciar in England. This move
split any unity which had existed between the barons and limited their
power over Henry. Also at this time there was growing hostility between
the barons themselves, especially between Simon De Montfort, the earl of
leicester and the earl of Gloucester. This argument was drawn from Simon
marriage to Henry's sister Eleanor, which was a cause of controversy as
when her first husband had died she had sworn to be celibate, only late
to marry Simon, which was granted by Henry without the permission of the
barons. The argument spilt the baronage in half and those who followed
Gloucester, became more supportive to the king.
Henry still prosponed his return to England claiming he had to stop
for a funeral and a marriage, this delayed Henry in February when the provisions
of Oxford had ordained a parliament should have been held. At this time
the parliament could not be held without the kings presence, and Simon
de Montfort, who had recently returned to England, claimed Henry not returning
was in breech of the provisions, therefore the parliament should be held
without him. Simon also asked the barons not to send the king money when
he asked for it, this shocked many of the barons who were still conservative
and did not agree with Simon's radicalism. This final split what was left
of the baronial reform movement due to the absence of Henry and the hostility
between the barons.
Simon De Montfort was a French man who inherited the earldom of Leicester
and married Henry III Sister to created a great land block he owned, who
in the period of 1264-5 was in virtual control of the government of England,
but what were his objectives?
The objectives of Simon De Montfort has been a great cause of debate
as it it difficult to be abel to pinpoint his actual reasons. Historians
at the turn of the century believed Simon was an able political reformer
and a model medieval statesman, though more recent works this opinion has
declined and more personal motive have been claimed. It seems that, as
a younger son, Simon had reasons to try and gain political importance after
inheriting the earldom of Leicester. It seems likely if Simon had been
an active political reformer he would have taken part in the organization
of the Provisions of Oxford, as he was in France at the time. It appears
that Simon was attempting to gain support from the english baronage because,
even though he himself was a frenchmen, he helped campaign against aliens
in the English court. Though simon's need for personal advancement which
can be seen to be credited for his rise to power, it can not be denied
that he did have a need fro political reform to remodel england, though
it may not be in the same sense as the turn of the century historians saw
it.
Why did Simon fail in achieving these reforms and the royal power was
re-established again by the death of Henry III? This can be traced back
to 1261, when the pope Alexander IV absolved the oaths made by Henry making
any support of the provisions pointless. Henry could no longer be held
by the oaths and Simon lost the power to legitimize the provisions of Oxford,
which he often used to justify his power. Also because of this action by
the power Henry after his capture at the battle of Lewes did not have to
co-operate as the provisions were no longer offically legal.
Though the battle of Lewes was a victory for Simon, it can also be seen
as part of his down fall. The Mise of Amies in 1264 the English and french
barons had to except whatever king Louis IX ordained. This in fact can
appear to be the English monarchy being put on trial with the barons, but
the French king came down on the side of Henry taking away the legitimacy
of Simon's control. Though at the battle of Lewes, the mise of Amies did
unite the forces against the king leading to his capture, it made this
action treasonous, therefore condemning all who took part. Also the escape
of Henry's son Edward, who had previously supported Simon, also led to
Simon failure as he lost a large part of his support.
At the battle of Evesham simon had lost both his support and his legitimacy,
leading to his defeats, but what happened to his supporters? Those who
had fought with simon at Evesham was disinherited, their land was confiscated
by Henry and became part of the royal lands. this large group became known
as the 'disinherited', and caused many problems into the reign of Edward
I. They wandered around causing trouble and generally being a thorn in
the side of King Henry until they established themselves in Kenilworth
castle, on the isle of Ely, the base of Montfort's power, here they kept
a strong hold against the king. In 1266 the dictum of Kenilworth replaced
disiheritance with redemption, therefore they could buy back their land
at seven times its real price. Later these terms had to be modified 1267
because of their harshness, and the isle of Ely was taken and peace restored.
This time od resistance can be seen as a period of reform and rebellion
within the knights class.
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K.D.Mooney hiu45d@bangor.ac.uk |
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