Hugh Despenser the Younger

Hugh Despenser
Hugh Despenser
1st Baron Despenser
	Despenser in the Founders and Benefactors Book of Tewkesbury Abbey, c. 1525; his family arms of Quarterly 1st & 4th: Argent; 2nd & 3rd: Gules fretty or, over all a ribbon sable are at the bottom left
Tenure	1314–1326
Predecessor	none
Successor	Hugh Despenser, 2nd Baron Despenser
Other names	the Younger Despenser
Known for	Favourite of Edward II
Born	c. 1287 – c. 1289
Died	24 November 1326 (aged 36–39); Hereford, Herefordshire, Kingdom of England
Cause of death	Hanged, drawn and quartered
Buried	Body: Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire; Heart: Hulton Abbey, Staffordshire;
Wars and battles	Despenser War; Isabella's Campaign;
Spouse	Eleanor de Clare (m. 1306)
Issue	Hugh Despenser; Edward Despenser; Isabel Despenser; Elizabeth Despenser; Joan Despenser; Gilbert Despenser; John Despenser; Eleanor Despenser; Margaret Despenser;
Father	Hugh Despenser (the Elder)
Mother	Isabel Beauchamp

Hugh Despenser, 1st Baron Despenser (also known as the Younger Despenser; c. 1287/1289 – 24 November 1326) was an English nobleman and royal favourite. He was the son and heir of Hugh Despenser, Earl of Winchester (the Elder Despenser) and his wife Isabel Beauchamp, daughter of William Beauchamp, 9th Earl of Warwick. Despenser rose to national prominence as chamberlain of the royal household and a close favourite of Edward II of England. His influence at court earned him many enemies among the English nobility. After the overthrow of Edward II, Despenser was charged with high treason and ultimately hanged, drawn and quartered.