Background
Hugh le Despenser was born in England in 1261. He was the son of Hugh le Despenser, chief justiciar of England under Simon de Montfort. His mother was Aline Basset, only daughter and heiress of Philip Basset.
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Hugh Le Despenser
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On the outbreak of civil war, Hugh Le Despenser joined the party of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and led the Londoners when they sacked the manor-house of Isleworth, belonging to Richard, Earl of Cornwall, king of the Romans.
Having fought at Lewes (1264) he was made governor of six castles after the battle and was then appointed one of the four arbitrators to mediate between Simon de Montfort and Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester. He was summoned to Simon de Montfort's parliament in 1264 and acted as justiciar throughout the earl's dictatorship.
Later he supported King Edward II's favorite, Piers Gaveston, and after the latter's death in 1312 he became the king's chief adviser. After the defeat at Bannockburn in 1314, he was ousted from power by the Earl of Lancaster. Dispenser and his son were banished in 1321. They returned in 1322 and, defeating their opponents at Boroughbridge, held the realm in their power for four years. He was hanged as a traitor at Bristol, October 27, 1326.
Achievements
Connections
Hugh and his wife, Isabella, had two sons, Hugh Despenser the Younger, and Philip le Despenser (grandfather of Philip le Despencer, 1st Baron le Despencer) and several daughters, including Isabel, second wife of John Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings.
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Born
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Died
January 27, 1326 (aged 64) -
Nationality
British