Talks
CHANGE OF PROGRAMME - Simon de Montfort (c 1208-1265) Champion of England? Martyr?
by Dr Huw Ridgeway
Date: Thursday 20 February 2020
The meteoric career of an icon of English History re-assessed. Simon de Montfort became Earl of Leicester and brother-in-law of Henry III (1216-1272); Crusader, international celebrity, he ultimately perished in civil war, challenging royal rule in the name of Reform.
Educated at Brynteg Comprehensive School Bridgend (Glamorgan) and Jesus College Oxford where he read Modern History and completed a doctorate on English court politics during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272). He taught at Keele University and Sherborne School where he became Head of Department. He has lectured widely and has over thirty academic publications on thirteenth century England, including a biography of Henry III for the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Since retirement, his publications include ‘Dorset in the period of Baronial Reform and Rebellion 1258-1267’ and the Sherborne Abbey Guidebook.