The Barons were more divided than united in the period from 1258 to 1260. How far do you agree?

The period from 1258 to 1260 witnessed a complex interplay of unity and division amongst the English barons. While the Provisions of Oxford in 1258 and the subsequent period saw a degree of baronial cohesion in their opposition to Henry III's rule, significant divisions emerged, fueled by competing interests, personal rivalries, and conflicting interpretations of reform. This essay argues that, despite some moments of unity, the barons were ultimately more divided than united in this critical period.

Divisions Amongst the Barons

Firstly, the peace agreement with France in 1259 created substantial problems for barons who held lands in France. The agreement, while beneficial for the English crown and some barons, left others feeling disadvantaged and alienated. For instance, the Earl of Leicester, a key figure in the baronial movement, resented the loss of his French holdings and saw it as a betrayal by the king, further exacerbating his opposition. This illustrates the divisions within the baronial ranks, with some seeing the French peace as a necessary compromise and others perceiving it as a personal loss and a betrayal of their interests.

Secondly, the extension of government reforms to baronial government itself created further division. The Provisions of Oxford had aimed to curb royal power, but their application to local baronial courts and administration sparked resistance from those barons who saw it as an infringement on their own authority. This led to a conflict between those who supported the reforms as a means to control the king and those who saw them as a threat to their own power and position. The implementation of the Provisions of Oxford thus created tensions and divisions within the baronial ranks, as they struggled to reconcile their opposition to the king with their own desire to maintain control over their local affairs.

Furthermore, the meeting of Parliament in 1260 further exacerbated tensions. While it appeared to be a step towards greater collaboration, it quickly led to conflict over the composition of the assembly and the role of the barons. The issue of representation and the powers of Parliament became a source of disagreement, further fragmenting the barons and weakening their collective unity. This exemplifies the complexity of baronial politics, as the pursuit of reform itself created new points of contention and division.

Lastly, the Lord Edward's inconstancy contributed to divisions. While some barons initially supported Edward's efforts at reform, his wavering commitment and attempts to undermine the Provisions undermined their trust. This led to a further split between those who continued to support Edward and those who saw him as a threat to their cause, ultimately contributing to the growing instability within the baronial movement.

Moments of Unity

However, the period also witnessed moments of baronial unity. The forced acceptance of the Provisions of Oxford by Henry III in 1258 demonstrated a strong collective resistance. This unified action against royal overreach showcased the barons' ability to act together when their interests were at stake. Similarly, the barons' joint efforts to secure peace terms in Wales and France, although ultimately unsuccessful, highlighted their capacity to cooperate in matters of national significance. This indicates that the barons were not entirely devoid of unity and could come together to address specific issues of common concern.

The unpopularity of the Lusignans also provided a rallying point. The barons' animosity towards the king's foreign favorites, who were seen as corrupt and exploitative, further united them against the crown. This common enemy strengthened their bonds and provided a focal point for their collective opposition. The Lusignans’ unpopularity thus acted as a unifying force, bringing together various factions and strengthening their shared resistance to the king's policies.

Finally, a program of redress of governmental abuses in localities also served to unite them. The barons worked together to implement local reforms that aimed to address grievances and restore order. This shared objective helped solidify their unity on a grassroots level, contributing to a sense of shared purpose and commitment to reform. The focus on local issues created a sense of commonality and facilitated cooperation between barons who otherwise might have been divided on broader political issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the period from 1258 to 1260 witnessed instances of baronial unity in their opposition to Henry III, the divisions that emerged from conflicting interests, personal rivalries, and differing interpretations of reform ultimately outweighed their moments of cohesion. The peace agreement with France, the extension of government reforms to baronial government, the tensions over the meeting of Parliament, and the Lord Edward's inconstancy created deep divisions and ultimately undermined the efficacy of the baronial movement. While the barons shared a common goal of limiting royal power, their inability to reconcile their own ambitions and agendas ultimately proved more significant than their shared grievances. Therefore, it can be argued that the barons were indeed more divided than united in this critical period.