Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester

Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, was born around 1208 in Montfort-l'Amaury, France. He was the younger son of Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester, and Alix de Montmorency. In 1229, Simon arrived in England and eventually secured the earldom of Leicester after persuading his cousin Ranulf, the Earl of Chester, to cede it to him. By 1239, he was formally invested with the title of Earl of Leicester.

Simon de Montfort became a prominent figure in English politics, leading the baronial opposition against King Henry III. His leadership culminated in the Second Barons' War, where he initially achieved victories over the royal forces. As a result, he became the de facto ruler of England and convened two parliaments, one of which included ordinary citizens, laying groundwork for modern parliamentary democracy. His actions included the expulsion of Jews from Leicester and the cancellation of debts owed to Jews through violent seizures.

During his rule, Simon de Montfort's forces were responsible for massacres of Jewish communities in cities such as London, Worcester, and Derby. His governance lasted just over a year before he was defeated by forces loyal to King Henry III. Simon de Montfort was killed in the Battle of Evesham on 4 August 1265.

Simon de Montfort died at the age of about 57 during the Battle of Evesham and was buried at Evesham Abbey. Following his death, the title of Earl of Leicester was forfeited.