He was indeed a singular character
were words used by Thomas Jefferson to describe Alexander Hamilton, another foreign upstart who came to dominate his adopted country by the force of his ambition and ability. And despised for it. It is therefore not surprising that Simon de Montfort, like Hamilton, has had his ups and downs throughout history. Whatever the measure of his faults and greatness, the oath he gave to reform a capricious and wasteful monarchy led to the development of representative government based on the good standing of citizens, and not merely on property, titles and family interests. The cliché that he lost the battle but won the war is infinitely true in the sense that the man who vanquished him, his nephew Edward I, carried on his achievement.
Darren Baker, Simon de Montfort 2014
“Simon de Montfort was inspiring and intimidating, constructive and destructive, driven by ideals and also by self interest, one of the greatest men in England’s history.”
David Carpenter, Chair in Medieval History, King’s College London
“Simon de Montfort combined many roles. A great soldier, religious enthusiast, man of energy and convictions, and inspirer of other men, he was brought down by his own ambitions and by the hatred provoked by the drive for power and position which was also a notable feature of his personality.”
John Maddicott, author of ‘Simon de Montfort’