The Oxford Parliament

The Oxford Parliament of 1258 was a significant gathering of nobles, clergy, and representatives called by Simon de Montfort during a period of political upheaval in England. It marked one of the first instances where commoners from towns and counties were included alongside traditional elites in a national assembly. The purpose was to seek support for reforming royal authority and addressing grievances. Although it did not immediately change the political landscape, it laid important groundwork for future parliamentary development by challenging the exclusive power of the monarchy and emphasizing broader participation in governance.