Hugh Le Despencer (The Younger)

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2008.An ACEO portrait of Hugh Le Despencer (the Younger). Born in 1286. In the same year he was knighted he was married to Eleanor De Clare. Piers Gaveston was his brother-in-law. Through his wife he inherited much land and property. By 1320 he had become Edwards new favourite. Hugh's father had been been a loyal supporter of Edward and had been his chief administrator. In his position as favourite he begand to appropriate land and wealth, much to the disgust of the Lords and Barons who saw him as an even worse Gaveston. The Despencers were then forced into exile in 1321 but returned a year later. The Despencers were loathed for their greed and rapaciousness, Edward seemingly allowing them to do as they please. Whether Hugh and Edward were actually physically lovers is uncertain but it is certain that Isabella despised him. Mortimer was also his enemy, Despencer having vowed revenge on him as his grandfather had murdered Hugh's. When Isabella and Mortimer landed in 1326 to depose Edward and the Despencers most of the Lords and Barons supported them and Edward and the Despencers were soon captured. The Elder Despencer was executed at Bristol. Hugh the Younger was put on trial before Isabella and Mortimer at Hereford. Found guilty he was dragged to his place of execution. First stripped, he then had scriptures written into his skin. He was then hanged but not long enough to kill him. He was then tied to a tall ladder, so all could see him. Still alive, his genitals were then cut off and thrown into the fire. Then he was slit open and his entrails slowly removed, finally his heart. He was then beheaded and his body cut into four pieces.

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