Philip le Despenser, 2nd Baron le Despenser facts for kids

Philip le Despenser, 2nd Baron le Despenser was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago, from about 1365 to 1424. He inherited his title from his father, Philip le Despenser, 1st Baron le Despenser. Philip was known for his family connections and the lands he owned.

Who Was Philip le Despenser?

Philip le Despenser was born around 1365 in a place called Nettlestead, in Suffolk, England. He was the son of the first Baron le Despenser. A "Baron" was a noble title, like a lord, who held land directly from the king. These barons were important figures in medieval England.

Early Life and Knighthood

Philip grew up in a noble family. When he was about 20 years old, in 1385, he was made a knight. Being knighted was a special honor. It meant he was a trained warrior, loyal to the king, and ready to serve.

When his father passed away in 1401, Philip was about 36 years old. He then became the 2nd Baron le Despenser, inheriting his father's title and lands.

Family and Inheritance

Philip le Despenser married a woman named Elizabeth de Tibetot. She was also from a noble family and was an "co-heiress." This means she shared in inheriting property from her own family.

Through his marriage to Elizabeth, Philip gained more lands. These included important estates like the manors of Nettlestead and Barrow. Owning land was a big source of power and wealth in those times.

Life as a Baron

Even though Philip was a baron, he was never called to join the Parliament. Parliament was a meeting of important people, including nobles, who advised the king. Not being summoned meant he didn't play a direct role in the country's government meetings.

Philip le Despenser lived until June 20, 1424. He passed away without any sons to inherit his title.

His Daughter and Legacy

Because Philip had no sons, his noble title and property passed to his only daughter, Margery le Despenser. She was a very important heiress.

Margery married twice. Her first husband was John de Ros, 7th Baron de Ros. Later, she married Roger Wentworth of Nettlestead. Through Margery and Roger Wentworth, the family line continued. Their descendants included the later Lords Wentworth.

Interestingly, this family line also connects to Jane Seymour. She was the third queen of King Henry VIII. This shows how Philip le Despenser's family had lasting connections to important figures in English history.