Edward Despard

Edward Marcus Despard
Attributed to George Romney
Born1751
Coolrain, Camross, Queen's County (now Laois), Kingdom of Ireland
Died21 February 1803 (aged 51-52)
Cause of deathExecution by hanging
NationalityIrish
Occupation(s)Soldier, colonial administrator, revolutionary
Employer(s)British Army, British Home Office
MovementSociety of United Irishmen, London Corresponding Society
Criminal chargeHigh treason
Criminal penaltyDeath by hanging followed by beheading

Edward Marcus Despard (1751 – 21 February 1803), an Irish officer in the service of the British Crown, gained notoriety as a colonial administrator for refusing to recognise racial distinctions in law and, following his recall to London, as a republican conspirator. Despard's associations with the London Corresponding Society, the United Irishmen and United Britons led to his trial and execution in 1803 as the alleged ringleader of a plot to assassinate the King.