Simon V of Montfort and baronial government, 1195-1218 / G.E.M. Lippiatt.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lippiatt, G. E. M. (Gregory Edward Martin), 1986- author.

Series:

Oxford historical monographs

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Simon, de Montfort, 1165-1218.

Simon.

France--History--Philip II Augustus, 1180-1223.

France.

History.

Albigenses.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

xiv, 238 pages : illustrations, maps, genealogical table ; 22 cm.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Oxford : Oxford University Press, 2017.

Summary:

Dissenter from the Fourth Crusade, disseised earl of Leicester, leader of the Albigensian Crusade, prince of southern France: Simon of Montfort led a remarkable career of ascent from mid-level French baron to semi-independent count before his violent death before the walls of Toulouse in 1218. Through the vehicle of the crusade, Simon cultivated autonomous power in the liminal space between competing royal lordships in southern France in order to build his own principality. This first English biographical study of his life examines the ways in which Simon succeeded and failed in developing this independence in France, England, the Midi, and on campaign to Jerusalem. Simon's familial, social, and intellectual connections shaped his conceptions of political order, which he then implemented in his conquests. By analysing contemporary narrative, scholastic, and documentary evidence-including a wealth of archival material-this volume argues that Simon's career demonstrates the vitality of baronial independence in the High Middle Ages, despite the emergence of centralised royal bureaucracies. More importantly, Simon's experience shows that barons themselves adopted methods of government that reflected a concern for accountability, public order, and contemporary reform ideals. This study therefore marks an important entry in the debate about baronial responsibility in medieval political development, as well as providing the most complete modern account of the life of this important but oft-overlooked crusader.

Contents:

1 Subject and Vassal 17

Family history 17

Harmony 19

Conflict 37

Competing lordships 52

2 Crusaders 56

Family and the Fourth Crusade 56

Family and the Albigensian Crusade 57

Land grants 63

Religious connections 66

Personal loyalty 67

The Zaran company 70

High baronage 74

3 Masters and Monks 79

The Holy Land 79

Social morality 85

Heresy 92

4 Lord of Montfort and Earl of Leicester 99

Inheritance 99

Image 104

Ecclesiastical patronage 109

Finance 116

Government and household 121

5 Viscount of Béziers and Carcassonne 130

Conquest 130

Image 135

Ecclesiastical patronage 138

Finance 144

Government and household 150

Reform and heresy 165

6 Duke of Narbonne and Count of Toulouse 173

Conquest 173

Image 178

Ecclesiasticl patronage 181

Finance 189

Government and household 191

Reform and heresy 199.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0198805136

9780198805137

OCLC:

972865270