Edward Despenser, 1st Baron Despenser facts for kids

A coat of arms that belonged to the Despenser family.

Edward le Despenser (born March 24, 1336, died November 11, 1375) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the first Baron Despenser. A baron was a powerful lord who owned a lot of land and had a special place in the king's council, called Parliament. Edward was the son of Edward le Despenser and Anne Ferrers. In 1349, he became the Lord of Glamorgan, a region in Wales.

Edward le Despenser was a brave knight who fought for England. He joined Edward the Black Prince, who was the son of the king, in France. Edward le Despenser was part of the famous Battle of Poitiers in 1356. This was a big battle during the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

Because of his courage in these wars, King Edward III honored him greatly. In 1357, he was called to join Parliament as a baron. This meant he had a special title and could advise the king. At the same time, he also became a Knight of the Garter. This is a very old and important group of knights in England, chosen by the monarch.

Edward le Despenser was also friends with Jean Froissart, a famous writer who wrote about the history of his time. Edward was also the older brother of Henry le Despenser, who became a powerful bishop.

Today, you can see a statue of Edward le Despenser. It is on top of the Holy Trinity Chantry Chapel at Tewkesbury Abbey in England. This statue is very famous and is often called the "Kneeling Knight."

Edward's Family

Edward le Despenser married Elizabeth de Burghersh. She was the daughter of another important lord, Bartholomew de Burghersh. Edward and Elizabeth had several children together:

• Margaret Le Despencer (died 1415): She married Robert de Ferrers. They were ancestors of Queen Catherine Parr, who was one of King Henry VIII's wives.
• Elizabeth le Despenser (died 1408): She married two times. Her first husband was John FitzAlan, and her second was William la Zouche.
• Thomas le Despenser, 1st Earl of Gloucester (1373 – 1400): He became the first Earl of Gloucester. He married Constance of York.
• Hugh Despencer
• Cicely Despencer
• Anne Despencer (died 1426): She also married two times. Her first husband was Hugh de Hastings, and her second was Thomas de Morley.