The Battle of Evesham: A legacy of democracy

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Featuring barons in rebellion, a king in captivity and blood running through the town's abbey, discover how the legacy of events in 1265 shaped British democracy. 15,000 swords clashed on the meadows of the riverside town, as Simon de Monfort, the rebel lord turned de facto ruler of the country, was caught unawares by chasing royal forces whilst stopping for breakfast and prayers. Prince Edward (later King Edward II) led the royal charge and spared no quarter to the rebels. de Monfort was killed and dismembered, restoring King Henry III to the throne. But de Monfort and the barons' legacy, of forcing the setting up of parliaments, remained, as one of the earliest precursors to the House of Commons, which developed through the 13th Century. The supposed site of Simon de Monfort's death is at the Battle Well, the source of a small stream which locals have claimed has produced miracles, including providing healing qualities and turning water in to ale. The battle is remembered nearly 800 years on with the Battle of Evesham Festival, which brings close to 60,000 people to the town every August, recreating events in spectacular detail. Mick Hurst, founder of the festival, takes us on a guided tour of the sites around the town which follow in the real-life footsteps of de Monfort, Henry and Edward. Dr Felicity Hill, a lecturer in medieval history at the University of St Andrews, digs in to the legacy of this landmark event. Presenter: Phillip Stoneman Reporter: Tom Atkinson Image credit: Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images/Getty Images