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Sunday October 26, 2008

In 1263 Simon returned from exile in France. He found England in crisis and the influential Welsh leader, Llewelyn, expanding his power and influence. He gathered around him a small but loyal force of rebellious barons, looking to the west for support and seeking alliance with Llewelyn.

He marched towards London where the Queen fled to Windsor amid jeers and insults from the Londoners and from there made her way to France.  King Henry shut himself in the tower; he was in a weak  position and agreed once more to the terms of the Provisions of Oxford and a truce.  He twice broke this truce, but de Montfort sought legal arbitration from the King of France.  He ruled in favour of absolute monarchy, in favour of Henry.  The way was clear for the Second Baron's War.

While earl Simon was a first class general and warrior he had not passed these qualities on to his sons, Henry and Simon.  His campaign leading up to Lewes was hampered by his sons' setbacks under his sons.  The tone was set when earl Simon marched to Northampton to relieve Simon the younger, only to find he had already been captured.

Passing through London earl Simon seized and held the strategic point of Rochester, Kent, possibly to forestall a French invasion force sailing up the Thames. If this was his aim then he failed because he was unable to neutralise the castle and its garrison.

For once Henry stole a march on de Montfort, coming swiftly up on him having made a five day forced march covering over 30 miles a day.  This was an impressive feat but it would have left the route scattered with lame and blown horses and with stragglers who were unable or unwilling to keep up. Desertion, too, would have diminished Henry's army.  Earl Simon was warned of the King's approach by his scouts and spies

Earl Simon set off toward the south coast and Henry had to follow through countryside that had already been ruthlessly plundered or burned.  Henry's weary troops finally caught up with Earl Simon at Lewes.  With his army hungry, thirsty, foot-sore and exhausted The King dispersed his army through the town.  The Prince garrisoned Lewes Castle with his cavalry and the King took his followers into quarters at a local priory.