
This account is written by my friend the chronicler of the Mayor of London. He gives an excellent account of the Parliament that has been called and explains what the documents are that have been issued. But you should remember that King Henry III is in prison and all of this is being done in his name by Simon de Montfort. Will people support these radical plans?
Extract from the Chronicles of Mayors and Sheriffs of London 1265
London Metropolitan Archives
Test your understanding
What year of Henry’s reign were the Charters of Liberties of the Forest made?
Not quite right, I’m afraid...
Why don’t you study the document and read the transcript again?
Excellent, yes it was indeed the 9th year of Henry’s reign, which was the year 1225. Well done!
Why have the barons rebelled against Henry III?
- Is it because Simon de Montfort is an ambitious traitor who wants power for himself? Is he not really interested in the liberties granted by Magna Carta and is acting like a revolutionary dictator by seizing power?
- Or is it Henry who cannot be trusted? Has he ruled the kingdom badly and he is also trying to get out of commitments he has made to rule according to Magna Carta and the Provisions of Oxford?
- It is the view of this chronicle that the barons have rebelled against King Henry III because…