Hugh le Despencer, 2nd Baron le Despencer

Hugh le Despencer (1308–1349) was the eldest son and heir of Hugh the younger Despenser, son of Hugh the elder Despenser. His father and grandfather both were executed in 1326. His mother was Eleanor de Clare, daughter of Gilbert de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford and Joan of Acre. Through his mother, Hugh was a great grandson of Edward I of England.

Death and inheritance

Hugh was restored to his grandfather's title of Baron le Despencer in 1338. He died without issue in 1349. His heir was his nephew, Edward le Despenser, who was created Baron le Despencer of a new creation in 1375.

In fiction

Hugh is the protagonist portrayed in the 2007 historical fiction novel Hugh and Bess, by author Susan Higginbotham.

Ancestry