Thomas Despenser, 1st Earl of Gloucester
A nobleman whose life was a brief, violent chess piece in the power struggles that followed the deposition of King Richard II.
1373–1400 (age 27)·English noble·Birthday: September 22
Biography
Born into the powerful Despenser family, Thomas inherited his baronial title as a toddler after his father's death. His life unfolded against the turbulent backdrop of the late 14th century, a time of shifting loyalties and royal intrigue. He was a supporter of King Richard II, who rewarded him with the coveted title of Earl of Gloucester in 1397. This allegiance proved fatal. After Richard was overthrown by Henry Bolingbroke in 1399, Thomas became entangled in the Epiphany Rising, a failed plot to assassinate the new king and restore Richard. The conspiracy was discovered, and Thomas's attempt to flee by sea ended in capture by a mob in Bristol. He was beheaded in January 1400, his earldom extinguished almost as quickly as it was granted, a stark example of the perilous nature of medieval politics.
#1 When Thomas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1373
Thomas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1373Born
1378Started school
1386Became a teenager
1389Could drive
1391Could vote
1394Turned 21
1400Died at 27
Key Achievements
- Elevated to Earl of Gloucester by King Richard II in 1397 as a reward for his loyalty.
- Participated in the Epiphany Rising, a major conspiracy against King Henry IV in 1400.
- His execution and the forfeiture of his titles marked the end of the Despenser line's major political influence.
Did You Know?
He was only two years old when he succeeded his father as Baron Despenser.
He was married to Constance of York, a granddaughter of King Edward III.
After his capture, he was executed on the same day, without a formal trial, at Bristol.
“My loyalty is to the crown, and the crown alone.”
