750 years ago this week

The end of June 1263 saw Montfort begin the final campaign to force a provisional government on Henry and his […]

England’s first constitution

May – June 1264 The battle won, Simon quickly secured the surrender of Henry and Edward by agreeing to two […]

Never to perjurers and apostates

1263 The turmoil resulted in much spoliation of property, the ruffians playing a major role in it, and the demands […]

On the brink

1263 Edward was the first to return. Scolded by his father for “indolence and wantoness” while the Welsh ravaged the […]

More arbitration, more disaffection

1262 When the two sides could not agree on any amendments to the Provisions, the arbitrator, Richard of Cornwall, ruled […]

Another king in the family

1257 Earlier in that disastrous year Richard left for Aachen to be crowned King of the Romans, which was a […]

An absolute mess

1250 Henry’s policy in Gascony was an absolute mess. The province was nominally Richard’s, but now, at the queen’s insistence, […]

The Lusignans come to England

1247 Isabella and Hugh were later embroiled in another plot against Louis, involving poison and cooks who talk a lot […]

The king’s wrath

1239 True to character, Henry’s break with Simon was abrupt and unseemly. He waited for the occasion of the queen’s […]

Henry finally takes a wife

1236 The royal wedding took place on January 4, 1236. It was a lavish affair, all of it overseen by […]

The second Eleanor

1237 Eleanor of Provence was the second of the four daughters of poverty-stricken Count Ramon Berenger. Known as Eleanor La […]