The conflict between Henry III and the rebellious barons escalated into the Second Barons' War (1263–1267). Simon de Montfort’s leadership was pivotal. Initially acting as a mediator, he soon took up arms against the king.

In 1264, Simon’s forces defeated Henry III’s army at the Battle of Lewes, effectively capturing the king and his son, Prince Edward (later King Edward I). Simon then assumed de facto control of the government and sought to implement political reforms.

The First English Parliament (1265)

One of Simon de Montfort’s most enduring legacies was his calling of the first English parliament in 1265, which included not only nobles and clergy but also commoners—knights from the shires and burgesses from towns. This was revolutionary because it expanded political representation beyond the aristocracy, laying the foundation for the modern parliamentary system.

This parliament discussed taxation, laws, and grievances, marking the first time that elected representatives from across England took part in national governance.

The Downfall of Simon de Montfort

Despite his achievements, Simon de Montfort’s rule was contentious. Many nobles and the royal family opposed his reforms and military control. Prince Edward escaped captivity in 1265, rallied royalist forces, and confronted Montfort’s army.

The decisive Battle of Evesham in August 1265 ended in Simon de Montfort’s death and the collapse of his rebellion. However, his political ideas endured, influencing subsequent monarchs and the gradual development of constitutional monarchy.

Legacy: The Birth of Parliamentary Democracy

Simon de Montfort’s rebellion and parliament are often viewed as a foundational moment in the evolution of English—and later British—democracy. His inclusion of commoners in parliamentary proceedings was unprecedented and set a precedent for representative government.

The reforms he championed inspired later constitutional developments, including the Provisions of Oxford (1258) and the establishment of the Parliament as an institution that limits royal authority.

His life also symbolizes the struggle for political accountability and the balance of power between the ruler and the governed—a struggle that shaped England’s political trajectory and influenced democratic traditions worldwide.

Conclusion

Simon de Montfort was both a rebel and a reformer. While his uprising against Henry III ultimately failed militarily, it succeeded politically in planting the seeds of parliamentary democracy. His legacy is that of a visionary leader who dared to challenge absolute monarchy and envision a government that included wider participation and accountability. The First English Revolution under Simon de Montfort remains a landmark chapter in the history of democracy and governance shutdown123