Hugh le Despencer, 1st Baron le Despencer

Sir Hugh (1223 – August 4, 1265) was an important ally of Simon de Montfort during the reign of Henry III. He served briefly as Justiciar of England in 1260 and as Constable of the Tower of London.

He was summoned to Parliament by Simon de Montfort, and so might be deemed a baron, though the legality of that assembly is doubtful. He remained allied with Montfort to the end, and was present at the Battle of Lewes. He was killed fighting on de Montfort's side at the Battle of Evesham. He was slain by Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Wigmore; this caused a feud to begin between the Despenser and Mortimer families.

By his wife, Aline Bassett, he was father of Hugh the elder Despenser.

Preceded by: New Creation

Baron le Despencer

Succeeded by: Hugh le Despencer