A fascinating lecture on the life, reputation and legacy of Simon De Montfort - after whom the university is named - was delivered by the leading expert on this controversial figure.
Dr John Maddicott, former Fellow and Tutor in Medieval History at Exeter College, Oxford, was the guest speaker on Who Was Simon De Montfort? - an introduction to a man who was one of the most famous figures in England during the Middle Ages, who called the first Parliament and briefly became England's ruler.
The lecture marked the end of a day-long visit to DMU by the Royal Historical Society, which promotes history research and scholarship around the world. Earlier in the day, the president Peter Mandler had helped to open the new DMU Heritage Centre and the RHS team had visited staff and students in the university's history department.
Dr Maddicott, the author of Simon De Montfort and The Origins of the English Parliament, revealed de Montfort's early life on the continent through to his role as baronial reformer, his victory over Henry III to his death in battle and legacy.
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New Heritage Centre celebrates the history of the campus"It was fascinating," said David Murphy, of Leicester, who had come to DMU for the lecture.
"I try to come to these public lectures when I can and this was the best yet. I learned so much about the period and he was able to help you see the man behind the name."
It was the latest in a series of events being held at the university to mark the 750th anniversary of Simon de Montfort calling the first Parliament and 800 years since the sealing of the Magna Carta.
Posted on Tuesday 17 March 2015