Despenser War (1321–1322)

Timeline

1. 1320–1321English court · EnglandEdward II relied on Hugh Despenser the elder and Hugh Despenser the younger, granting them extensive lands and offices at the expense of border and midland lords. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and border lords such as Roger Mortimer formed an opposition alliance demanding limits on the favorites' power.
2. 1321London · EnglandIn summer 1321 the border and midland lords rose in arms, seizing the Welsh Marches and marching on London. Under pressure the king agreed to a parliamentary ordinance exiling the Despenser father and son. The rebels briefly held the political initiative, but the alliance lacked unified command.
3. 1322Boroughbridge · YorkshireIn March 1322 Edward II marched north and defeated the forces of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, at Boroughbridge in Yorkshire. Thomas was captured and executed at Pontefract, the rebel main force collapsed, and the Despensers were recalled; the king consolidated royal power by bloody means, but Despenser dominance grew worse, provoking a deeper political crisis.