The Life of Simon De Montfort Earl of Leicester with Special Reference to the Parliamentary History of His Time

This work contains two maps. Prothero’s studies of the history of the times led him to analyse De Montfort’s time anew. As a result, he produced this account of one of the most famous men of the English middle ages: Simon de Montfort. It traces his life from his beginnings as the younger son of a French noble family through his elevation in England as the close friend and counsellor of King Henry III; his break with the king; his rise to royal power; and his death in battle at Evesham in 1265. Montfort was a creature of contradictions. A superb soldier, an ardent religious idealist, and a forcefully able politician, he won the friendship and loyalty of some of the greatest men of his day; yet he was also ambitious and avaricious for political power. Prothero’s conclusions were formed entirely from his reading of the records of the times.