Simon De Montfort's parliament
Simon de Montfort held two parliaments during his time in power. The second of these took place at Westminster between January and March 1265, and was the first parliament at which representatives of the cities and boroughs were present alongside knights representing their counties to discuss matters of national concern as opposed to granting taxation.
Who was summoned to Simon de Montfort's parliament?
Montfort's second Parliament was summoned on 14th December 1264. Summoned were 23 lay magnates, 120 bishops, two knights from each county and two citizens from each town. Also summoned were four men from each of the Cinque Ports. The Parliament began on 20th January 1265, and would be the longest of Montfort's leadership. The Parliament was summoned to discuss arrangements for Prince Edward's release.
The composition of those attending the Parliament was significant because it formed the basis of a more representative democracy – the make up of Montfort's Parliament can be linked to the House of Commons as we know it today.