Simon de Montfort
Simon de Montfort, (c. 1208-65). English statesman. He came to England from his native France in 1229 and successfully claimed the earldom of Leicester. One of Henry III’s favourites, he became discontented with the king’s misrule and led an uprising of nobles against him. He defeated Henry in battle at Lewes (1264) and effectively became ruler himself until killed at Evesham by the forces of Henry’s son, Edward.
