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bodies;—the first led by Henry de Moutfort (the Earl of Leicester's son) ; the Earl of Gloucester commanded the second ; the Earl of Leicester the third ; and the fourth army, which consisted of Londoners, was commanded by Nicholas Segrave.
Prince Edward began the fight,—attacking the Londoners, who, being unable to withstand his vigorous onslaught, immediately fled. A London mob had some time previously insulted the Queen, his mother, an affront which the Prince resolved on avenging, and the moment being opportune, he, flushed with his success, pursued the London troops for four miles, and gave them no quarter. On his return in triumph, to his amazement he found the Royal army dispersed, and discovered that Henry and the Roman King were prisoners. He resolved on the attempt to liberate them,—but his exhausted troops would not second his ardour, and he was compelled to accept mortifying terms from the conquerors, viz., that himself and Henry his cousin should remain as hostages in custody of the Barons until all their differences were settled by authority of Parliament.
Of the fight at Lewes,—during Edward's pursuit of the Londoners, it is related that the Earls of Leicester and Gloucester gained advantage over Henry III. and the Pioman King, and put to flight their troops. Henry surrendered to the Earl of Leicester; Richard to the Earl of Gloucester, and both were conducted to the Priory in Lewes, situated at the foot of the Castle, and there imprisoned.
An eminence near the Race Course,—formerly used as a beacon,—has from the above memorable battle retained the name of " Mount Harry,"—and most of the slain were interred in large pits or burgs near the spot, evidence thereof being still traceable. About eighty years ago, as workmen were making the turnpike road from Lewes to |
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