Edward Despard

Edward Marcus Despard
Attributed to George Romney
Born	1751 Coolrain, Camross, Queen's County (now Laois), Kingdom of Ireland
Died	21 February 1803 (aged 51-52) Horsemonger Lane Gaol, London
Cause of death	Execution by hanging
Nationality	Irish
Occupation(s)	Soldier, colonial administrator, revolutionary
Employer(s)	British Army, British Home Office
Movement	Society of United Irishmen, London Corresponding Society
Criminal charge	High treason
Criminal penalty	Death by hanging followed by beheading

Edward Marcus Despard (1751 – 21 February 1803), an Irish officer in the service of the British Crown, gained notoriety as a colonial administrator for refusing to recognise racial distinctions in law and, following his recall to London, as a republican conspirator. Despard's associations with the London Corresponding Society, the United Irishmen and United Britons led to his trial and execution in 1803 as the alleged ringleader of a plot to assassinate the King.