In Memory of Sir Hugh Despenser, Executed This Day, 1326
On this terrible day, 682 years ago, Hugh Despenser the younger was horribly executed by Roger Mortimer and Isabella of France in Hereford. The posts on his trial and execution are here and here.
In commemoration of his death, I took a trip to Tewkesbury Abbey this morning, together with a small floral arrangement and a message. I had wanted to leave it on the tomb but the verger said he preferred it to be placed around the corner by the statue of Our Lady of Peace. Nevertheless, I did manage to place it by the remaining plinth of the tomb and take a few photographs before moving it to where it had to go
The flowers were mainly white, arranged on a wet oasis in a bowl. The message was a simple declaration from myself and Kathryn Warner (Alianore from Edward II blog) that he was not forgotten and that God had him in his care. I would have liked to have asked one of the priests to perhaps say a prayer for Hugh at evensong, but unfortunately no-one was around. Maybe next year...
I also lit a candle in his memory near to the tomb, and I shall light another one later this evening at home. I'm just glad that he has now escaped from all the pain and suffering that he must have endured on this day all those hundreds of years ago.
Posted by Lady D. Monday, 24 November 2008 at 12:30