Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester

Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, born around 1208, was a French-origin nobleman who became a key figure in English politics. His opposition to King Henry III’s rule led to the Second Barons’ War, where he initially triumphed and effectively controlled England. Montfort’s governance included the summoning of two significant parliaments, one which reduced the king’s authority and another that was notable for including common citizens, marking his role in shaping parliamentary democracy.

As the younger son of Alix de Montmorency and Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester, he came to England in 1229, initially receiving a favorable reception from King Henry III. Despite not speaking English and having a limited profile, he successfully claimed the Earldom of Leicester. His marriage to Eleanor of England, King Henry III’s sister, was controversial and led to tensions with the monarchy. Montfort’s later fallout with the king and subsequent leadership during the Barons’ War significantly impacted the country’s political landscape, albeit his rule was brief.