Sons and Daughters of Perdition
In this revealing book, medieval historian Stephen David examines the extraordinary tale of the complex and often tragic lives of the children of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. After their father was defeated and killed by Edward I at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, de Montfort’s children fled abroad to seek their fortunes as best they could. Simon de Montfort the Younger and Guy de Montfort entered the service of Charles, Duke of Anjou, newly appointed King of Naples.
While at Viterbo, in central Italy, Simon de Montfort the Younger and his brother Guy murdered Edward I’s nephew Henry of Almain as he returned from the crusades. The two de Montforts were reviled for breaking the laws of chivalry and they were excommunicated by the Pope. The book reveals their fate.
Meanwhile, their sister Eleanor and other brother Amaury took a ship to Wales where Eleanor would marry Llewellyn, Prince of Gwynedd. This provoked another clash with the English king, who first imprisoned Eleanor and later faced another bid for Welsh independence.
This is a tale of exile, revenge, blood feuds and tragic consequences against the rich backdrop of medieval Europe.