Hugh le Despenser - 1st Baron le Despenser

Hugh le Despenser was an English Nobleman and Justiciar of England, equivalent to today's Prime Minister. He was also an ally of Simon de Montfort during the reign of Henry III.

 

Hugh was born on August 5th, 1223, in Leicestershire, England. His father was Hugh le Despenser, High Sheriff of Berkshire, and his mother was Mary de Quincy. He inherited his father's estates in 1238, which were mainly in Leicestershire.

Despenser was knighted in 1244 and was Constable of Horston Castle in 1255. In 1257, he accompanied Henry III's brother, Richard of Cornwall, to Aachen, where Richard was crowned King of the Romans.

In 1258, Hugh le Despenser was important on the baronial side in the Mad Parliament of Oxford, which produced the Provisions of Oxford. In 1260, the Barons chose Despenser to succeed Hugh Bigod as Justiciar. In 1263, King Henry III made him Constable of the Tower of London.

Hugh married Aline Basset, daughter of Philip Basset, in 1260 in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. They had two children, Hugh le Despenser and Eleanor le Despenser.

On May 14th, 1264, Hugh le Despenser fought with Simon de Montfort at the Battle of Lewes during the Second Barons' War. On December 14th, 1264, he was summoned to Parliament by Simon de Montfort as Baron le Despenser.

 

 

On August 4th, 1265, Hugh le Despenser fought at the Battle of Evesham with Simon de Montfort, where they both met their end. Hugh le Despenser was slain by the thrust of a dagger from Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Wigmore, which caused a feud between the Despenser and Mortimer families.

With the King's permission, he was buried at the steps of the High Altar at Evesham Abbey, along with Simon De Monfort. Stained-glass windows in nearby St. Lawrence's church depict Simon de Montfort, Hugh le Despenser, and others taking their last communion before battle.