He was a controversial figure, described by a contemporary alderman as "the vilest worm that had been in the City for more than twenty years", and played a role in the struggle for power between King Edward II and Queen Isabella.
[1] Chigwell served as London's mayor for a total of seven terms, in 1319, 1321, 1322, 1324, 1325, 1326 (during part of which he was removed in favor of Richard de Betoyne), and 1327.
During the ascendancy of Despenser, Chigwell carefully balanced the need to retain his popularity with the people of London against the need to ingratiate himself to the government.
[9] Chigwell was condemned to death, but due to his popularity with the citizenry was merely put under arrest at Orsett under the watch of Bishop Gravesend.
Amid growing hostility to Mortimer, Chigwell was released by Gravesend and made a triumphant return to London.