Fire and Faggots, Bats & Rebellion: Three Medieval Parliaments in Leicester
Date: 22 January 2025
Time: 7pm (Doors Open 6:30pm)
Duration: 60mins plus Q&A
Price: £10 Book Now
Richard Smith Chair of the Leicester branch of the Richard III Society will be giving a talk about the three Medieval Parliaments that were held in Leicester during the 15th Century, followed by a Q&A opportunity.
Not all medieval parliaments met at Westminster, during the 15th century there were three Parliaments held in Leicester, known as the Parliament of Fire and Faggots (1414), the Parliament of the Bats (1426) and a Parliament held against a background of rebellion in the region (1450).
In its earliest history ‘Parliament’, was a gathering of prominent men, summoned at the will of the King once or twice a year, to deal with matters of state and law. In the course of the medieval period, the assent of Parliament, first of the Lords and then of the Commons, became an indispensable part of the legislative process. The medieval period was fraught with wars and rebellions, with significant challenges and changes of power, and those transfers of power were rarely peaceful.
Richard Smith is the Chair of the Leicestershire Branch of the Richard III Society which was formed in 1973, they meet regularly at the King Richard III Visitor Centre and hold social events, trips to places of interest and their very popular Branch Study Days. They are a very friendly group and visitors are always welcome to attend their meetings and events.