Battle of Evesham 1265: A bloody defeat for forces opposing the English crown

 

Site of Battle of Evesham

This evening, I am posting information on the Battle of Evesham, a thirteenth century battle which resulted in bloody defeat (a massacre) for rebellious barons against Prince Edward, the future King Edward who led the forces of his father, King Henry III. 

Location of the battle site is about 100 miles NW of London. 

Summary facts as follows:

• Fought on the morning of August 4th 1265 between the approx. 5000 strong army of Simon de Montfort and the approx. 10,000 strong army of  Prince Edward.
• Location: Evesham, Worcestershire.
• de Montfort was outnumbered two to one notwithstanding which he took the initiative with an uphill cavalry charge. However, the tide of battle turned against him.
• No quarter was given by the Royalist forces and de Montfort and his knights were hunted down and killed.
• de Montfort was born in France around 1208 to a family which had claims on the Earldom of Leicester and lands. Over the years Simon’s relationship with the English royal family experienced periods of harmony and friction culminating in the failed rebellion after which Simon’s body was dismembered and his torso interred close to the high alter at Evesham Abbey.

 Here is a video clip of the site-

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  Simon de Montfort’s Burial Place

Fortunately, the battle site has suffered little building development thus providing visitors with the opportunity to connect with the actual terrain.

‘Well of the Dead’, location where de Montfort may have fallen