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Battle of Lewes

British history

Quick Summary

The Battle of Lewes, fought in 1264, was a pivotal event in the Barons' War in English history. This civil war was sparked by baronial opposition to King Henry III's ineffective policies.1

Led by Simon de Montfort, some barons took up arms after the Mise of Amiens invalidated the Provisions of Oxford, which had aimed to reform the king's governance. In May 1264, Montfort's forces defeated Henry III at the Battle of Lewes, capturing the king. For a period, Simon de Montfort held significant control over England, implementing administrative and parliamentary changes. The conflict eventually led to settlements like the Dictum of Kenilworth in 1266 and the Statute of Marlborough in 1267, which addressed some of the barons' grievances.12

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. Barons’ War
  2. Lewes
  3. Lewes
  4. Lewes

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