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How did Edward I escape from Simon de Montfort's captivity?
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Edward I
Edward I, watercolour, 15th century; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Julius E. IV).
After being taken hostage following the Battle of Lewes in May 1264, Edward I (then Lord Edward) remained in the custody of Simon de Montfort for approximately one year.12
His escape in May 1265 was facilitated by Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester, who had become alienated from Montfort’s monopolization of power and joined forces with the royalist Marcher lords. With the assistance of these allies, Edward successfully escaped at Hereford. Following his escape, he quickly rallied royalist forces, isolated Montfort behind the River Severn, and ultimately defeated him at the Battle of Evesham in August 1265.312