Edward le Despencer, 1st Baron le Despencer

Who was Edward le Despencer, 1st Baron le Despencer?

Edward le Despencer, 1st Baron le Despencer, KG was the son of another Edward le Despenser and Anne, sister of Henry, Lord Ferrers of Groby. He succeeded as Lord of Glamorgan in 1349.

Le Despencer went with Edward the Black Prince to France, and was present at the Battle of Poitiers. In recognition of his conduct in the French wars, he was summoned to Parliament as a baron in 1357. At the same time, he also became a Knight of the Garter.

He was a friend and patron of Jean Froissart and the eldest brother of Henry le Despenser, Bishop of Norwich.

There is a kneeling statue of him on the top of the Holy Trinity Chantry Chapel in Tewkesbury Abbey. He is the famous KNEELING KNIGHT of Tewkesbury. Brian Basham, Abbey guide.