Edward Despard executed for the Despard plot (1803)

Colonel Edward Despard, an Irish officer of French descent, was executed on 21 February 1803 for plotting to assassinate King George III and destroy the Bank of England. Despard, previously recalled from colonial service for refusing to recognize racial distinctions in English law, was identified as the ringleader of a conspiracy involving the London Corresponding Society and United Britons. He and six co-defendants were hanged and beheaded at Horsemonger Lane Gaol in London.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Edward Marcus Despard gained notoriety as a colonial administrator for refusing to recognize race as a legal distinction, leading to his recall to London in 1790. His associations with the London Corresponding Society, United Irishmen, and United Britons led to his trial and execution in 1803 as the alleged ringleader of a plot to assassinate the King. He was arrested on 16 November 1802, and government informers identified him as the ringleader of a conspiracy involving Grenadier Guardsmen to assassinate King George III and seize the Tower of London and Bank of England.

Trial. Despard was prosecuted by Attorney General Spencer Perceval before Lord Ellenborough in a Special Commission on 7 February 1803. The prosecution relied on informers who named Despard as the ringleader of a United Britons conspiracy. Evidence included meetings with United Irishman Valentine Lawless and frequenting seditious conclaves in London ale houses, though many alleged actions were attributed to persons Despard had never met.

Execution. Despard and six co-defendants were hanged and decapitated on the roof of the gatehouse at Horsemonger Lane Gaol on 21 February 1803. The executioner, William Brunskill, held Despard's head to the populace, declaring it the head of a traitor. Despard's final words expressed wishes for health, happiness, and freedom for mankind.

People involved

Sources

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