Thomas le Despenser, 1st Earl of Gloucester, English politician (b. 1373)

Thomas le Despenser, 2nd Baron Despenser and 1st Earl of Gloucester, a Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG), was a prominent figure in late 14th-century English nobility. Born on 22 September 1373, he inherited his father's baronial title at a young age, succeeding the 1st Baron le Despencer in 1375. His life, marked by significant political upheaval, culminated in his untimely death on 13 January 1400.

A descendant of one of England's most historically influential, yet often controversial, noble families, Thomas le Despenser inherited a legacy of both power and peril. His father, Edward le Despenser, 1st Baron le Despencer, was a distinguished military commander who served under Edward III and the Black Prince. The Despenser family's ascent was notably linked to their close, if at times tumultuous, relationship with the Crown. His infamous ancestor, Hugh Despenser the Younger, a favourite of Edward II, had wielded immense power before his dramatic downfall and execution in 1326, leaving a complex heritage of ambition and consequence for future generations like Thomas.

Thomas le Despenser's own rise to prominence occurred during the reign of King Richard II, whom he served with unwavering loyalty. This steadfast support was instrumental in his elevation to the earldom of Gloucester. On 29 September 1397, as part of Richard II's efforts to consolidate power and reward his most trusted allies following the suppression of the Lords Appellant, Thomas was created Earl of Gloucester. This earldom held particular significance as it had previously been held by Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, one of the leading Lords Appellant, whose attainder and death facilitated this new creation for a loyalist. Concurrently, Thomas le Despenser was also invested as a Knight of the Garter, the pinnacle of English chivalry, further cementing his position within the highest echelons of the kingdom.

However, the political landscape of England was volatile. Despite his close ties to Richard II, when Henry Bolingbroke (later King Henry IV) returned from exile in 1399 and deposed Richard II, Thomas le Despenser initially adapted to the new regime. His earldom of Gloucester was revoked by Parliament in October 1399 as part of the reversal of Richard II's more controversial grants, though he retained his inherited barony. Disillusioned with the new king and driven by loyalty to the deposed monarch, Thomas subsequently became a key figure in the "Epiphany Rising" of January 1400. This desperate conspiracy, involving several other disaffected nobles including the Earls of Kent, Salisbury, and Huntingdon, aimed to abduct King Henry IV and restore Richard II to the throne. The plot, however, was swiftly exposed and failed.

Following the collapse of the Epiphany Rising, Thomas le Despenser attempted to flee but was captured near Bristol. On 13 January 1400, he was lynched by an angry mob at Cirencester, then beheaded, demonstrating the intense public anger and political instability of the time. His body was initially buried at Tewkesbury Abbey. Subsequently, his lands and titles, including the inherited Barony Despenser, were forfeited by attainder due to his treason. This marked a tragic end for a man who had risen to great heights under one king only to fall catastrophically under another, reflecting the harsh realities of medieval English politics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas le Despenser

Who was Thomas le Despenser?
Thomas le Despenser was a prominent English nobleman of the late 14th century, holding the titles of 2nd Baron Despenser and 1st Earl of Gloucester, and a Knight of the Garter. He was known for his loyalty to King Richard II and his tragic involvement in the Epiphany Rising.
When was Thomas le Despenser Earl of Gloucester?
He was created 1st Earl of Gloucester by King Richard II on 29 September 1397. This title was revoked by Parliament in October 1399 following Richard II's deposition.
What was the significance of his family, the Despensers?
The Despenser family was one of the most powerful and influential noble families in medieval England, particularly known for their close ties to the English monarchy. However, their history also included periods of notorious power and dramatic downfalls, notably through figures like Hugh Despenser the Younger.
How did Thomas le Despenser die?
He was executed on 13 January 1400 for his role in the Epiphany Rising, a conspiracy to restore the deposed King Richard II. He was captured near Bristol and subsequently lynched and beheaded by a mob at Cirencester.
Did Thomas le Despenser have any heirs?
Yes, he had children with his wife, Constance of York, daughter of Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York. However, due to his attainder for treason, his titles were forfeited, and his son Richard le Despenser, though briefly recognized as 3rd Baron Despenser, died without issue, leading to the abeyance of the barony.