History Extra podcast
Dismemberment & disgrace: the grisly fate of Simon de Montfort
Aug 1, 2024
Sophie Thérèse Ambler, a historian, sheds light on the grisly fate of Simon de Montfort, a medieval rebel leader. After his defeat at the Battle of Evesham, his body was horrifically dismembered, with parts displayed as grim trophies across Britain. Ambler discusses the shockingly brutal practices of body mutilation in medieval warfare, contrasting these with the chivalric ideals of the time. She also unpacks Montfort's complex legacy and the cultural significance of his remains, revealing how they formed a local cult involving relics and miraculous tales.
47:15
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Quick takeaways
- The brutal dismemberment of Simon de Montfort after the Battle of Evesham underscores the extreme violence and socio-political tensions of medieval conflict.
- De Montfort's legacy evolved into a cult-like reverence, illustrating how political figures can transcend into spiritual figures despite their historical controversies.
Deep dives
The Gruesome Fate of Simon de Montfort
After his defeat at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, Simon de Montfort's body was subjected to an exceptionally brutal dismemberment. His head and testicles were sent to the wife of the man who killed him, showcasing the severity of the conflict he was embroiled in. Additionally, his hands and feet were distributed as trophies to illustrate the enmity felt by his foes and to instill terror among his supporters. The act of dismemberment was notably uncommon in medieval warfare, reflecting not only the disdain de Montfort garnered but also the ferocity of the socio-military culture of the Anglo-Welsh borderlands.
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