One of the fun things about using a lesser-known historical figure as a subject of a novel is that when you run into something about him–anything–you’re absolutely delighted. So a while back when I saw in Collectanea topographica & genealogica, Vol. IV (on Google Books) that the hero of my soon-to-be-reissued second novel, Hugh and Bess, was recorded as being at a tournament at Dunstable in 1334, I was thrilled, even though the tidbit never made it into the novel.
After resisting the forces of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer at Caerphilly Castle until the spring of 1327, Hugh le Despenser had been imprisoned and had only emerged in July 1331, when he was about 23. Hugh was granted permission in April 1332 to go on pilgrimage to Santiago. In July 1333, he was among the English troops who won a great victory over the Scots at Halidon Hill. Hugh’s performance there had evidently pleased Edward III, who as a reward for his services extended some grants of land from an indefinite duration to him to hold until he inherited his mother’s lands.
Nonetheless, as the son and grandson of two of the most hated men in England, both of who had been gruesomely executed in 1326, Hugh must have still been somewhat of a social outcast. For him, then, being allowed to participate in the Dunstable tournament, held in January 1334, must have meant a great deal. It might have even been his first tournament: Edward II had discouraged them, and when Isabella and Mortimer held them in the early years of Edward III’s reign, Hugh was a prisoner. The fact that Hugh’s father had tourneyed at Dunstable in 1309, when the present Hugh was just a baby, must have also made the occasion a poignant one.
Besides Hugh, the Dunstable tournament included about 135 knights, including a mysterious chap named “Sir Lionel,” who turned out to be Edward III himself. Another knight who was present, William de Montacute, would have a special connection with Hugh a few years later: Hugh would marry his daughter Elizabeth in 1341.
Great to know that Hugh attended a tournament as early as 1334 – I didn't know that before! Wonder if he got a lot of stares?
He must have–especially if he was all decked out in his Despenser arms!
Huge's heraldry at the tournament:
Quarterly Argent and Gules, a riband Sable.
I'm currently gathering information on this particular tourney for my masters dissertation. Huge is one of the characters I planned to follow given his family history.
No doubt you have a full list of those who took part. If not please let me know and I can supply info.
Thanks, Pete! If it's not the list from Collectanea topographica & genealogica, I'd love a copy!
Well I'm currently putting all my information gleaned onto a database. This will allow me to cross reference with parliamentary rolls, calendar rolls and other primary sources from the era. If I find anything useful or interesting I'll let you know.
Is this the same Hugh le Despenser named in this 1344 document: Gilbert le Despenser (1309–1381)
In 1344. Order to release Gilbert le Despenser, knight, from prison by the mainprise of William de Bohun, earl of Northampton, and Hugh le Despenser, who is staying under arrest in the Tower .
Hi, Robert! Yes, it’s the same Hugh (died in 1349; eldest son of Hugh the younger). Gilbert was a younger brother of the Hugh here (the one who died in 1349).