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It was one of the most radical rebellions in European history. In the mid-13th century a group of noblemen, led by Simon de Montfort, took control of England, held King Henry III captive, and introduced dramatic reforms including, most famously, a representative parliament. In this month’s cover feature, historian Sophie Thérèse Ambler revisits this medieval revolution CPF VJG DNQQF[ EQP KEV VJCV accompanied it, arguing that this was a holy war, inspired by the zeal CPF DTWVCNKV[ QH VJG ETWUCFGU ;QWoNN PF JGT RKGEG QP RCIG

Revolution was also in the air 100 years ago this month, as Britain – and indeed many other countries – struggled to cope with the aftermath of the First World War. In the Red Summer of 1919 the UK was beset with race riots, strikes and angry protests, which some in IQXGTPOGPV HGCTGF OKIJV JGTCNF C $QNUJGXKM UV[NG WRTKUKPI %NK QTF Williamson picks up the story on page 32.

Of course no revolution in British history had as dramatic a denouement as the Civil War, which, in January 1649, saw King Charles I executed by his parliamentarian enemies. Though Charles had been FGHGCVGF QP VJG DCVVNG GNF JKU FGCVJ YCU HCT HTQO C EGTVCKPV[ and, even during his trial, there remained opportunities for the king to save his life. Ultimately, though, he failed to take them, and on page 44 Leanda de Lisle explains why, in the end, parliament was left with no choice but to lead the OQPCTEJ VQ VJG UEC QNF

I hope you enjoy the issue.

Rob Attar Editor

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

AC Grayling We’ve lost momentum in considering questions such as how we think about things like death and love. I hope that getting people interested in the larger story of philosophy will bring those questions back into focus. AG Grayling discusses his new book on the history of philosophy, on page 70

Sophie Thérèse Ambler My research investigates the relationship between politics, war and faith in the Middle Ages – KPENWFKPI 'PINCPFoU TUV revolution, when Simon de Montfort seized power from the king. Sophie tells the story of the barons’ revolt against Henry III, on page 24

Leanda de Lisle Charles I was born into an era of regicide, with fanatics claiming the right to kill rulers of the wrong religion. When Charles lost the argument against this, he also lost his head. Leanda chronicles the events that led to Charles I’s beheading in 1649, on page 44

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