Hugh Despenser (justiciar) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh le Despenser
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Arms of Despenser: Quarterly 1st & 4th: Argent; 2nd & 3rd: Gules, a fret or, over all a bend sable
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| Chief Justiciar | |
| In office 1260 – May 1261 |
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| Monarch | Henry III |
| Preceded by | Hugh Bigod |
| Succeeded by | Philip Basset |
| Chief Justiciar | |
| In office July 1263 – 4 August 1265 |
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| Monarch | Henry III |
| Preceded by | Philip Basset |
| Succeeded by | none |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1223 |
| Died | 4 August 1265 Evesham |
| Political party | Barons |
| Spouse | Aline Basset |
| Children | Hugh le Despenser Eleanor le Despenser |
| Parents |
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Hugh le Despenser (born 1223 – died August 4, 1265) was an important person in England during the time of King Henry III. He was a strong supporter of Simon de Montfort, a powerful baron who challenged the King. Hugh le Despenser held important jobs like Justiciar of England, which was like a chief judge, and Constable of the Tower of London.
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Hugh le Despenser: A Key Figure in English History
Hugh le Despenser was born in 1223. His father was also named Hugh le Despenser. Hugh became a leading figure among the English barons. These barons were powerful nobles who often disagreed with the King.
Standing Up to the King: The Mad Parliament
In 1258, Hugh le Despenser played a big part in an event called the Mad Parliament of Oxford. This was a meeting where the barons tried to limit the King's power. Hugh was a strong voice for the barons during this time.
Important Roles in Government
Because of his influence, the barons chose Hugh le Despenser for important roles.
- In 1260, he became the Justiciar of England. This was a very high position, similar to a chief justice or prime minister today. He helped run the country's legal system.
- In 1263, the King was forced to put Hugh in charge of the Tower of London. This was a major fortress and prison, showing how much power Hugh had gained.
A Loyal Ally to Simon de Montfort
Hugh le Despenser was a close friend and ally of Simon de Montfort. Montfort was a powerful baron who led a rebellion against King Henry III. Hugh supported Montfort's efforts to make the King share power with the barons.
Summoned to Parliament
In 1264, Simon de Montfort called a special meeting, which some people consider an early form of Parliament. Hugh le Despenser was invited to this meeting as a Baron le Despenser. This showed his high status and importance in the baronial party.
The Battle of Evesham and His Death
Hugh le Despenser remained loyal to Simon de Montfort until the very end. He fought alongside Montfort at the Battle of Lewes in 1264, where Montfort's forces won a major victory.
However, the war continued. On August 4, 1265, Hugh le Despenser was killed fighting at the Battle of Evesham. He was on Montfort's side when he was slain by Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Wigmore. This event started a long-lasting disagreement between the Despenser and Mortimer families.
Hugh's Family and Legacy
Hugh le Despenser was married to Aline Basset. Aline was the daughter of Philip Basset, who had also served as a Justiciar of England.
Hugh and Aline had children:
- Hugh Despenser 'the elder' became a very important advisor to Edward II, who was King Henry III's grandson. He was later made the Earl of Winchester.
- Eleanor le Despenser, their daughter, married Sir Hugh de Courtenay.
Hugh le Despenser's life shows how important the struggle for power was between the King and the barons in 13th-century England.
