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Henry III, Baronial Revolts, the Growth of Government and the rise of Parliament (1207-72) - CED00234C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

In 1216 King John died in the middle of a baronial war and his nine year old son Henry III inherited a fractious realm. Protected by the Papacy, royal forces gradually regained control, and established conciliar government during Henry’s minority. Henry III’s personal rule was characterised by chronic debt, high taxation, military failures and two more baronial revolts, but it was during his reign that the Magna Carta was established and parliament emerged.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2024-25

Module aims

The focus of this module is on exploring the changing nature of government and kingship under Henry III, his relationship with the church, the difficulties of maintaining control of his continental lands, his relationships with European monarchs, and the impact of the baronial revolts.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Discuss how historians have viewed Henry III and Simon de Montfort
  • Evaluate the impact of Henry III’s reign on the political, social, cultural, religious and economic changes of the thirteenth century
  • Explain the key themes of the reign of Henry III
  • Critically analyse primary sources and secondary sources.

Module content

Indicative content

1. John Magna Carta, William Marshal and the First Baronial wars

2. The Infant King ; Peter des Roches and Hubert de Burgh

3. 1227-1334 Personal rule, Invasion of France, Richard Marshal's revolt

4.The Problem of relations- the Savoyard marriage and Lusignans 1230s and 1240s

5. Henry III and the Church

6. Scotland, Wales and Ireland

7. Henry III and Gascony- the problem of the French King

8. Henry III, Sicily and the Papacy

9-10 Simon de Montfort and the crisis of 1258-65

11. Legacy of Henry III

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Carpenter, David; Henry III: The Rise to Power and Personal Rule, 1207–1258
  • Clanchy, M. T. (1998). England and its Rulers: 1066–1307
  • Crook, David; & Wilkinson, Louise J.; The Growth of Royal Government under Henry III
  • Davies, R. R. (2006). Domination and Conquest: the Experience of Ireland, Scotland and Wales 1100–1300.
  • Jobson, Adrian (2012). The First English Revolution: Simon de Montfort, Henry III and the Barons' War.
  • Maddicott, John R. (2004). Simon de Montfort.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.