The night after the
battle, it is said, de Montfort’s body and that of his son and of Hugh
Despencer, were brought down to the Abbey and buried before the high
altar, while the others bodies of the slain were buried according to the
king’s orders.
The campaign and battle
had been lost because de Montfort had failed to unite his forces. He had
manoeuvred effectively for a time, almost long enough avoiding battle and
to be able to reach his son’s forces. However it had been Edward’s ability
to move quickly and strike unexpectedly, when they were divided, first at
Kenilworth and then at Evesham, that proved decisive. The Evesham campaign
showed Prince Edward’s military abilities and provided important
experience that would stand him in good stead in the famous campaigns he
would fight in Wales and Scotland in future years as Edward I.
Though peace was not
finally restored across the country for another two years, the battle of
Evesham had completely broken the rebellion, for almost all of its major
supporters had been intentionally killed on the field. It was also
decisive in giving the king his freedom to rule without the control of a
council. Henry III was no longer restricted by the impositions of a
Council.
However, because of his
attempt to control the excesses of the crown through the use of
parliament, de Montfort has long held an important place in English
history. This veneration of the Earl had begun within a few years of the
battle, with his tomb and the spot where he is said to have died becoming
associated with miracles.
