Henry le Despenser
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church · Religious Figures · Lived 1341 to 1406 · aged 65
Henry le Despenser was an English nobleman and Bishop of Norwich whose reputation as the 'Fighting Bishop' was gained for his part in suppressing the Peasants' Revolt in East Anglia and in defeating the peasants at the Battle of North Walsham in the summer of 1381.
In history
Peasants' Revolt · Leader
English serfs challenged feudal hierarchy through coordinated uprising, foreshadowing challenges to medieval social order.
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1370Named Roman Catholic Bishop of Norwich (England)Office3 April 1370 to 23 August 14061341BornPeople around Henry
Family
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Media & music
Photos 6
Secretum of the Bishop showing the arms of Despenser with bordure of bishop's mitres (in base), the See of Norwich (dexter) and de Quincy/Ferrers of Groby (sinister): s(igillum) henrici despencer norwyceni episcopi ("seal of Henry Despencer Bishop of Norwich")
The site of the Battle of North Walsham in June 1381
Ypres during the Bishop of Norwich's siege. The illustration, a reproduction of an engraving published in 1610, shows the siege in progress.
Norwich Cathedral, one of the great Norman buildings of England. Henry le Despenser is buried in front of the high altar.
The ruins of Despenser's manor house at North Elmham, built over the site of the ancient Saxon cathedral and a Norman chapel
