Henry Despenser Biography and Timeline

Siege of Ypres

Leads the Norwich Crusade army toward Ypres.

Role range: 1337-1453 – 1370-1406

Invasion of Flanders

Leads an expedition into Flanders

Norwich Crusade Advances through Flanders

Despenser leads an English expedition through Flanders during the campaign against supporters of the Avignon papacy.

Ypres Siege Attempted during Norwich Crusade

Despenser's force attempts to press operations around Ypres before the expedition loses momentum.

Norwich Bishop Launches Flemish Crusade

Henry Despenser led an English expedition into Flanders after the campaign received crusading approval during the Western Schism.

English Crusaders Seize Gravelines

The bishop of Norwich's army gained a foothold in coastal Flanders by occupying Gravelines.

Expedition Challenges Flemish Towns

Despenser's forces operated among Flemish towns whose loyalties were divided between England, France and the Avignon papacy.

Ypres Siege Fails To Succeed

English crusaders failed to capture Ypres, demonstrating the limits of Despenser's campaign in Flanders.

Flemish Expedition Retreats To England

Despenser returned from Flanders after the campaign failed to secure its stated objectives and provoked criticism at home.