Thomas Despenser, 1st Earl of Gloucester facts for kids
Thomas Despenser, born on September 22, 1373, was an important figure in English history. He was known as the 2nd Baron Despenser and later became the 1st Earl of Gloucester. He also belonged to the prestigious Order of the Garter, a special group of knights. Thomas took over his father's title, Edward le Despenser, in 1375.
Supporting the King
Thomas Despenser was a strong supporter of King Richard II. King Richard II was having problems with some powerful nobles, like Thomas of Woodstock. Because Thomas Despenser supported the King, he was given a special reward in 1397. He became the Earl of Gloucester. This was a very important title, and he received it because his family was connected to an earlier Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare.
From 1397 to 1399, Thomas Despenser spent time in Ireland. He tried to convince the local Irish leaders to accept King Richard II as their ruler, but he didn't have much success.
However, things changed when Henry Bolingbroke returned to England. Henry Bolingbroke eventually became King Henry IV. Thomas Despenser decided to support Henry Bolingbroke. But because Thomas Despenser had been involved in the death of Thomas of Woodstock, he lost his earldom. This is called being "attainted," which means losing your titles and lands because of a serious crime.
A Plan to Restore the King
After losing his title, Thomas Despenser joined a group of nobles in a plan called the Epiphany Rising. Their goal was to bring King Richard II back to the throne. They even planned to try and remove King Henry IV.
But their plan quickly failed. One of the people involved, Edward of Norwich, 2nd Duke of York, told King Henry IV about the plot. Many of the people involved in the Epiphany Rising tried to escape. Thomas Despenser fled to the western parts of England. However, he was caught by a group of townspeople who were loyal to the King. Thomas Despenser was killed in Bristol on January 13, 1400.
Family Life
Thomas Despenser married a woman named Constance. She was the daughter of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York and Isabella of Castile, Duchess of York. Thomas and Constance had several children:
- Elizabeth Despenser (who passed away when she was young, around 1398)
- Richard Despenser, 4th Baron Burghersh (1396–1414)
- Edward Despenser (born before 1400, also passed away young)
- Hugh Despenser (born around 1400, passed away in 1401)
- Isabel Despenser (born July 26, 1400 – passed away December 27, 1439). Isabel married twice. First, she married Richard Beauchamp, 1st Earl of Worcester. Later, she married his cousin, Richard de Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick.
