Battle of Evesham
Near Evesham, Worcestershire, England
What happened
Royalist forces led by Prince Edward fought the rebel barons led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. After winning at Lewes in 1264, Simon de Montfort had governed England in the king's name. The baronial army, outnumbered about two to one, was overwhelmed, and de Montfort fell.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It restored royal power and ended the barons' rebellion against Henry III. De Montfort is remembered as one of the founders of representative government, because his 1265 parliament included ordinary citizens from the towns.
What came next
The rebels' lands were taken from them. The Dictum of Kenilworth, agreed in 1267, ended the last resistance.
Did you know?
Before the battle, Edward displayed banners captured from de Montfort's son to make de Montfort think his reinforcements were arriving.
Timeline
- 14 May 1264De Montfort wins at Lewes and captures the king.
- 1265De Montfort's parliament includes representatives of the towns.
- 4 August 1265The royalists win at Evesham.
- 1267The Dictum of Kenilworth is agreed.
- 1965A memorial stone is laid at the site of de Montfort's grave.