BattlefieldsSecond Barons War — De Montfort Seizes Henry III at Lewes 1264
Medieval

Second Barons War — De Montfort Seizes Henry III at Lewes 1264

1264
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Henry III
Forces
Henry III seeking refuge in Lewes priory
VS
Victor
Simon de Montfort
Forces
Simon de Montfort infantry completing victory
Outcome
Henry III captured; held as prisoner under baronial government for fifteen months until Evesham
The Battle

History & Significance

The climax of the Battle of Lewes was the capture of King Henry III himself. After the defeat of his cavalry, Henry III found himself in the town as baronial infantry fought through it. He took refuge in the priory of St Pancras and ultimately surrendered in person to Simon de Montfort. This was only the second time an English king had been captured in battle since Stephen in 1141. Henry remained effectively a prisoner for fifteen months.

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