Hugh Despenser: The Favourite Who Unmade Edward II

In this episode we explore Hugh Despenser the Younger – the royal favourite whose ambitions, manipulation of royal power and seizure of Welsh estates helped erode Edward II’s reign and spark a baronial revolt. We examine contemporary chronicles, court records and modern scholarship to tease out how much Despenser actually shaped events versus how later historians have amplified his role. The discussion ends by questioning what the rise and fall of this favourite tells us about medieval monarchy, factional politics and the limits of royal favour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices