Hugh Despenser the Elder

Hugh le Despenser
Earl of Winchester
Arms of Despenser: Quarterly 1st & 4th: Argent; 2nd & 3rd: Gules, a fret or, over all a bend sable
Predecessornone
SuccessorLewis de Bruges
Other namesThe Elder Despenser
Born1 March 1261
Died27 October 1326 (aged 65)
Bristol, Gloucestershire
Wars and battles
OfficesLord Warden of the Cinque Ports
Spouse(s)Isabella de Beauchamp
Issue
FatherHugh le Despenser, Baron le Despenser
MotherAline Basset

Hugh le Despenser (1 March 1261 – 27 October 1326), sometimes referred to as "the Elder Despenser", was for a time the chief adviser to King Edward II of England.[1] He was created a baron in 1295 and Earl of Winchester in 1322. One day after being captured by forces loyal to Sir Roger Mortimer and Edward's wife, Queen Isabella, who were leading a rebellion against Edward, he was hanged and then beheaded.[1][2]

  1. ^ a b "Despenser, Hugh le (1262–1326)" . Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference MilnerHistory was invoked but never defined (see the help page).