Hugh Kevelioc de Meschines, Earl of Chester, was surnamed from the place of his birth. He joined in the rebellion of the Earl of Leicester and the King of Scots, against King Henry II, and in support of that monarch's son, Prince Henry's pretensions to the crown. He was taken prisoner, with the Earl of Leicester, at Alnwick, but obtained his freedom soon afterwards upon the king's reconciliation with the young prince.

Again, however, hoisting the banner of revolt, both in England and in Normandy, with as little success. he was again seized, and then detained a prisoner for some years. He eventually, however, obtained his liberty and restoration of his lands, when public tranquillity became completely re-established some time about the 23rd year of the king's reign.

Hugh married Bertred of Evereux, daughter of Simon, Earl of Evereux, in Normandy.

Hugh died at Leeke, in Staffordshire, in 1181.