Sophie Thérèse Ambler

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.

David Carpenter, a medieval history expert from King’s College London, joins Louise Wilkinson and Sophie Thérèse Ambler, both renowned scholars in medieval studies, to discuss the turbulent Second Barons' War. They delve into Simon de Montfort's rise, his influential reforms for parliamentary representation, and the dark side of his legacy, including violent anti-Semitism. The conversation highlights pivotal events like the Provisions of Oxford and the Battle of Evesham, exploring how personal feuds and political strife shaped England's governance and social landscape.