January 20, 1265: First English Parliament called into session

The 6th Earl of Leicester, Simon de Montfort, called the first English Parliament into session on this day in 1265. After his revolt against Henry III, Simon De Montfort, in an attempt to make peace, gathered his supporters together in Westminster Hall. It was the first time two burgesses from selected burroughs were represented and was considered the "first genuine representative Parliament." During the reign of Edward I, Parliament developed further, taking it beyond the role of a high court.