Hugh's mother, Isabel de Bolebec, Countess of Oxford, purchased her minor son's wardship in 1221 from the crown for 6000 marks.

[3] He inherited the office of Master Chamberlain of England which had been granted to his great-grandfather Aubrey de Vere II.

Earl Hugh was a critic of King Henry from 1246, and in 1258 and 1259 was elected to serve on various baronial committees attempting to reform royal government.

[4] The earl purchased the right to hold a market at the town on his primary estate, Castle Hedingham in Essex, and founded a chantry and hospital there.

They had a son and three daughters:[7] Hugh de Vere died before 23 December 1263 and was buried at Earls Colne.