The Despensers [audio 15min]

The first of the medieval power brokers, the greedy and corrupt Despensers exerted a short-lived influence, but it was, to say the least, a colourful time in British history. Their power spanned the reigns of three monarchs yet, in the end, it brought them nothing but tragedy. "This Sceptred Isle: Dynasties" is a narrative history charting over a thousand years of influence wielded by the power brokers of Britain and Ireland, told in 10 programmes written by historian Christopher Lee and narrated by actor Anna Massey, with readings by actor Robert Powell.