Hugh de Vere, 4th Earl of Oxford (and 5th Great Chamberlain), was born around 1210. He was at the side of Edward I at the siege of Caerlaverock and later participated in the Crusade of 1248-1254. He was knighted at Gloucester in the 17th year of King Henry III. In 1245 his mother Isabel died, and Hugh gave security for payment of his relief (100 pounds), and successfully sued his livery, gaining the lands of his inheritance. Hugh was one of the subscribing barons to the letter transmitted to the Pope, complaining of the exactions of his holiness upon this realm. Hugh attended the parliament (in the 32nd year of King Henry III) at which the king was criticized for his outrageous expenditures, and told that neither his treasurer nor chancellor had the confidence of the lords.

Hugh married Hawise de Quincy in 1223.

Hugh de Vere founded several Hospitals and Almshouses and did a lot for the poor on his manor in Hedingham. He also built the steeple of Earls Colne church and was buried there after he died in 1263. Hugh was succeeded by his eldest son, Robert.