Viscount of Béziers and Carcassonne

Unlike in France, Simon’s possessions in the south were obtained by conquest rather than inheritance. Moreover, that conquest was ideologically justified by a characterization of the previous lords as deficiently Christian governors. Therefore, the image and patronage cultivated by Simon in the viscounties of Béziers and Carcassonne made little effort to reflect Trencavel traditions. This negative difference was supplemented by the positive distinction enshrined in the Statutes of Pamiers, which implemented the reform programme embraced by Simon and neglected by his predecessors. Simon countered opposition to his rule not only through superior generalship but by co-opting what native lords and burghers he could, conserving the loyalty of his French followers with confiscated fiefs, generally respecting urban autonomy, and lavishing patronage on local bishops and Cistercian houses. His implementation of government was dynamic rather than dogmatic, balancing the demands of reform with the practical constraints of a largely hostile populace.