Medieval parliaments only met sporadically - usually in
times of crisis. One such crisis took place during the
baron's rebellion against Henry III between 1264 and
1267. The Barons' leader, Simon de Montfort, briefly
became the virtual ruler of the country - and summoned
two parliaments to ensure support for his cause.
The second of these parliaments met in Westminster Hall in
1265. It was significant because it was the first to include
representatives of the towns summoned for a general political
purpose - not simply to agree taxation. As well as 'two discreet knights' from each county, it also required each city and borough to elect two Town Burgesses. Simon de Montfort has therefore taken his place in history as the man who laid the foundations of today's parliamentary system.
