Hugh de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Bedford (born 1106) was Earl of Bedford from 1137 to 1141. The grant of the earldom was by Stephen of England; this was the first of his numerous creations[1]. Hugh was known as 'Hugh the Pauper' or 'Hugh the Poor'.
The existence of this title has been doubted. It is discussed by R. H. C. Davis[2] on the basis of the chronicle evidence.
In 1137 Stephen ordered Miles de Beauchamp, castellan of Bedford Castle, to give it up to Hugh. Miles resisted, and a siege followed. The castle was eventually taken; but Miles repossessed it in an attack.[3]
He was the third son of Robert de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester and Elizabeth de Vermandois.