Edward II and the earldom of Winchester

Author: Lawrence, Martyn

Source: Historical Research, Volume 81, Number 214, November 2008 , pp. 732-740(9)

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Abstract:

This article provides an explanation for the promotion of Hugh Despenser the elder to the earldom of Winchester in May 1322. It traces the roots of the earldom to the reign of King John, and suggests that the motivation behind Despenser's elevation lay in a hitherto overlooked connection with Saher de Quency IV, the first earl of Winchester. This connection had immense consequences for the political arena in which the Despensers operated, not only providing evidence of an audacious claim on the inheritance of their arch-enemy, Thomas of Lancaster, but also of the extent to which Edward II and the Despensers believed that they could dominate government in the thirteen-twenties.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2281.2007.00429.x

Affiliations: 1: 1University of York

Publication date: 2008-11-01