Lewes, battle of

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Lewes, battle of, 1264. In the early hours of 14 May 1264, before sunrise, the army of Simon de Montfort advanced on Lewes (Sussex), where Henry III's forces lay. Battle was joined between the town walls and some point on the slope, leading up to the ridge of the south downs, beginning half a mile west of the castle. Although outnumbered, Montfort won a complete victory, able through his surprise advance to attack his enemies at a place and time of his choosing. The cause of the provisions of Oxford was saved and Montfort's protectorate, which lasted until his death at Evesham (1265), established.

S. D. Lloyd

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