Nations Gallery
Kenilworth Castle
Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, (1208-65), was appointed Governor of Kenilworth Castle in 1244, by Henry III. De Montfort is often described as the 'founder of democracy in England'. Although this may be an exaggeration, de Montfort clearly fell foul of Edward I after leading a popular, baronial movement for reform, and for his role in founding the first Parliament of 1265.
Simon De Montfort was killed in the Battle of Evesham, 1265, and his body dismembered. Supporters of Simon de Montfort held Kenilworth for a year after the Battle of Evesham.
Kenilworth has a fine Norman keep and John of Gaunt's Hall. Edward II was imprisoned here before being taken to his death in Berkeley Castle. Kenilworth castle is now the largest ruin in England.
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