Edward Marcus Despard (1751 –  February 21, 1803) is an Irish soldier who serves in the British Army.

During the American War of Independence Despard leads a force to victory at the Battle of the Black River, securing the British presence on the Mosquito Coast.

Following the war, Despard is appointed Superintendent of what becomes British Honduras.

He is recalled to London in 1790 after questions are raised about his conduct.

Despard soon finds himself in jail for debt. He later takes up revolutionary politics, becoming involved with the United Britons movement, and is executed for high treason for his part in the failed Despard Plot.