Despard, Edward Marcus (1751-1803)

Irish naval officer and colonial administrator, who was executed for leading a conspiracy against British rule in Ireland. After serving in various posts in Central America 1772-90, including the governorship of Belize, he was recalled, dismissed, and briefly imprisoned. After his release, his plotting against the government led to his conviction on charges of high treason.

Despard was born in Queen's County, Ireland, and entered military service at the age of 15. The reason for his two-year imprisonment (1798-1800) is not certain, though it is thought he may have been involved in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The 1803 conspiracy entailed assassinating the king and seizing the Tower of London and the Bank of England. Despard and his six fellow traitors were drawn on a hurdle, hanged, and beheaded.