In September 1264 a general muster of the national forces on Barham Down and a contrary wind put an end to the projects of invasion entertained by the mercenaries whom the queen had collected in Flanders; the threats of France died away into negotiations; the Papal Legate was forbidden to cross the Channel, and his bulls of excommunication were flung into the sea.

But the difficulties at home grew more formidable every day.

The restraint upon Henry and Edward jarred against the national feeling of loyalty, and estranged the mass of Englishmen who always side with the weak.

Small as the patriotic party among the barons had been from the first, it grew smaller as dissensions broke out over the spoils of victory.

The Earl's justice and resolve to secure the public peace told heavily against him.