During the thirteenth century, in England, the word ‘parliament’ often referred to the assemblies that were summoned by the king. These assemblies acted as a session of the nobility. However, when Simon de Montfort came to power, he needed the support of all the people. He summoned the Great Council more frequently. In 1265, in addition to the Lords, he also included burgesses from the towns. The burgesses were the representatives of the ordinary people.
The parliament of 1265, therefore, marks a great advance in the constitutional history of England. The old council of the king had been strictly an assembly of nobles. At its meetings, the ordinary people were not expected to be present. The parliament of 1265 marks the first time that ordinary people were represented at the assemblies. This gathering set a precedent for the future, and in this sense, perhaps, Simon may be called the ‘creator of the House of Commons’.