Thirteenth Century

Henry III, Simon De Montfort and the Provisions of Oxford

The Provisions of Oxford are often seen as the starting point of the modern parliament in Britain. But what were they and why were they so important? Like his father before him, King John, Henry III had a difficult relationship with his barons. The First and Second Barons’ War between the kings and their barons … Read more

Nicholaa de la Haye – Castellan and Sheriff of Lincoln

‘Nicholaa, not thinking about anything womanly, defended … [Lincoln] castle manfully’[1] Nicholaa de la Haye was a medieval noblewoman who defied the social expectations of her day. She held the office of castellan[2] of Lincoln Castle, successfully defending it during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217, and jointly held the office of sheriff of Lincoln … Read more