Walter Devereux (born 1173)

Walter Devereux (born 1173)
Spouse(s) Cecilia de Longchamp

Issue

Father John Devereux (died 1187)
Born 1173
Died about 1197

Walter Devereux was an Anglo-Norman nobleman living during the reign of king Henry II of England and Richard I of England. The Devereux, along with the Baskervilles and Pichards, were prominent knightly families along the Welsh marches during the twelfth century, and linked to William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and the Braose and Lacy lordships of the region.[1] William Devereux's descendants would later give rise to the Devereux Viscounts of Hereford and Earls of Essex.

Ancestry

Walter Devereux is descended from William Devereux[2] who held land in Hereford and Gloucester at Domesday in 1086.

William’s son, Walter Devereux of Lyonshall,[2] gained control of Lyonshall Castle as the caput of the Devereux’s marcher lordship. With the exile of Roger de Lacy in 1085, Walter of Lyonshall joined the retinue of Bernard de Neufmarché, Lord of Brecon.[3][lower-alpha 1]

On the death of Bernard about 1125, another Walter Devereux, son of Walter of Lyonshall, joined the retinue of Miles de Gloucester, 1st Earl of Hereford.[lower-alpha 2] Taking advantage of the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, this Walter Devereux[2] increased his autonomy.[4][lower-alpha 3] Walter probably was present at the Battle of Lincoln,[5] and the Rout of Winchester [6] with the earl of Hereford. A supporter of the Empress Maud, he was rewarded when her son, Henry II, finally took the throne.[7][8][lower-alpha 4] With the extinction of the male line of the earls of Hereford in 1155, Walter Devereux and his son, John,[2] joined the retinue of Humphrey II de Bohun, Lord of Trowbridge.[lower-alpha 5]

When Humphrey III de Bohun died with an underage heir, John Devereux joined the retinue of William de Braose Junior, Lord of Bramber.[lower-alpha 6] John Devereux would campaign in Wales and France under de Braose.

As one of the prominent knightly families of the Welsh Marches, the Devereux became closely entwined with the de Braose, de Lacy, de Longchamp, and Marshal families. Through these connections, and following the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1071, the Devereux family established holdings in Ireland over the next three generations.

Biography

Walter Devereux was born in 1173, the son of John Devereux.[9] His father died in 1187[2] possibly from involvement in the de Braose campaigns in Wales and France. As Walter was under-age his lands and 2 castles (including Lyonshall) were taken into the hands of the king and placed in the possession of the sheriff of Hereford, William de Braose. Devereux participated in the expansion of the Norman holdings in Ireland, and in 1210 Walter Devereux was listed as having been responsible to John (fitzJohn) Marshal for 20 shillings of fees for the maintenance of soldiers ‘beyond the water that is called Stiuthe,' and 2 marks for those at Carrickfergus in Ireland[10]

Walter Devereux came of age in 1194.[2] His father had granted a church on his lands in Oxenhall, Gloucester, to the Knights Hospitaller in 1186, and on 27 October 1194 Walter Devereux filed an Assize of mort d'ancestor against the Order over 2 marks rent in Oxenhall.[11][12][lower-alpha 7]

About 1186 Walter had witnessed with his father the land grant of Maud de Hagarnel to the priory of Brecon.[13] About 1190 Devereux granted 12 acres of land near Berrington (Hereford) to the same priory ‘for the love he bore his lord, William de Braose the younger.’[14] This identifies Walter Devereux as a member of the military retinue of the Braose family. Devereux also witnessed the grant of land by William de Bradfelde of lands in Bradfield, Petercroft, Laneglege, lands near Mara, Estlege, and in Weteroft near the chapel to the priory of Brecon.[15] In 1211, Walter Devereux was listed as having held 1/2 knight's fee of the honor of Brecon.[16]

Marriage

Walter Devereux married Cecilia de Longchamp,[2] daughter of Hugh de Longchamp.[9][lower-alpha 8]

They had children:

Death

Walter Devereux died about 1197,[26] and as a member of the retinue of William de Braose this probably occurred in May 1197. At this time Braose was accompanying Richard I as England resumed its wars in France to recapture lands lost during his captivity. Many knights from the Welsh border were injured in the assault on the castle at Milly-sur-Therain where William Marshall himself led many into the fray.[27] After Walter's death, his sons were fostered for training as knights: Stephen Devereux with William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke; Nicholas Devereux with Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath; and John Devereux with William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber. These sons would sire the three Devereux families that would play an integral role in controlling the Welsh marches during the thirteenth century. Also following the death of her husband, Cecilia began a series of legal fights to establish her dower rights which when added to the holdings of her eldest son, Stephen Devereux, provides an indication of the extent of the Devereux holdings at the time.

Walter’s ancestor, William Devereux, held Eastleach, Gloucester at Domesday in 1086. He had made grants in the region of East Leche, Gloucester on 23 July 1100 to St Peter’s of Gloucester.[28] A review of the charters on 30 November 1215[29] showed this to encompass the whole of the larger tithe of Lady ‘Sibillae de Evereus’ (Cecilia Devereux) in East Leche. Cecilia was granted a hearing in May 1198 for 20 October 1198 for her suit against Robert (Ralph) de Lechlade over half hide and 6 acres near Leche in Gloucester.[30] In May of 1199 Hugh de Welles was put in the place of Master Ralph de Lechlade in the matter of the suit by Cecilia.[31] Also involved were William son of ‘Regine’ and Henry of Frome. William de Lechlade was granted hearing at the same court if his health permits. The hearing was set for 8 July 1199, and on that day Hugh de Welles remained in place for Ralph de Lechlade who was bedridden with illness.[32] As the matter progressed through the courts, William Prudhome was put in place of Cecilia Devereux on 8 November 1199 in her suit against the brothers, Ralph and William de Lechlade.[33] On 23 April 1200 that suit was to be brought before the court upon the king’s return from Normandy.[34] In May/June of 1200 Ralph and William put forward their countersuit over the land. The suit was again put on hold in early 1201 as Master Ralph of Leche was overseas with his master, John de Grey, Bishop of Norwich. The suit resumed on 19 November 2011 when Cecelia resumed her claim against William de Lechlade. She claims the land by right of her grandfather (ancestor), William Devereux, having held the land in the time of King Henry, the king’s father (ancestor). William de Lechlade claims the greater right of holding as William Devereux had given the land to his mother, Orenge. De Lechlade further indicated that Cecilia’s right was only that of dower.[35] William de Lechlade then gave his place in the suit to his son, Thomas. On 15 January 1212 the final verdict was put on hold until after Easter as the jury had not been assembled due to illness of some of the participants, and a new date set for June 29. At this hearing the court found in favor of William de Lechlade, and that Cecilia could make no further claims.[36][lower-alpha 11] On 30 November 1216, Cecilia demised all of her remaining lands and men in Eastleche for 5 years to the monks of Bruerne.[37] On 23 February 1220 Robert de Turville paid the court half a mark to summon Cecilia Devereux before the court regarding the warrant for a virgate of land in East Leche, Gloucester.[38] On May 22 de Turville presented his claim and a charter demonstrating it. Cecilia acknowledged the charter, and they requested that the court permit them to come to an agreement.[39] The point of contention was one portion of the land, which Robert de Turville was willing to yield, but the court would not allow this as he did not have the authority to do so without permission of his wife. The court recessed to allow this issue to be clarified.

Walter’s ancestor, William Devereux, also held land at Elnodestune, Herefordshire at Domesday in 1086. Cecilia put forward a claim in late 1201 on 27 acres of woods with pasture in Mescott, part of Alneston, as the heir of Roger Devereux, ‘uncle’ (great-uncle of her deceased husband) who held the land from Walter de Lacy. The court found in her favor, and validated her claim.[40] In May of 1206, Sir Richard of Chandos, Sir John Bankinton, and Sir Geoffrey Ruff Jordan of Manington were dispatched to stop Reginald Dunhers from moving against the ancestral home of Cecilia Devereux, and found that he was incapacitated and unable to be imprisoned in the tower of London for 1 year. The three knights were absolved of their responsibility. On the 25th of May, the dispute between Reginald Dunhers and Cecilia Devereux over land in Elnotheston was placed on hold due to Reginald’s illness, and the absence of his son, John Dunhers, in service with the king’s horse overseas.[41] On 26 January 1222 Cecilia Devereux paid the court a half mark for a ‘pone’ at Easter involving the complaint of Richard Fulcon (Fulton) concerning 2 knight’s fees in ‘Alnathestun.’ [42] In Hilary Term (January to April) 1224 Richard, son of Godfrey Fulton, brought suit against Cecilia Devereux for one knight’s fee in Eylnathestona, and one knight’s fee in Puttelega (Putley).[43] His claim was based on the land being held by Roger Devereux, his uncle, in the time of King Henry, grandfather of the King receiving a value of 20 shillings. Roger Devereux died without heirs and passed his rights to his sister, Sybil Devereux, and this subsequently passed to her son, Godfrey, and grandson, the complainant Richard Fulton. Cecilia countered his claims. Concerning the fee of Eylnathestona, she did not hold that fee directly, but as part of the holding of Walter de Lacy. Richard Fulton could not counter this and yielded this complaint. Concerning the fee of Puttelega, she denied holding a whole fee, but admitted possessing a third of a fee. Richard Fulton indicated that regardless of whether it is a third or a whole fee, this is the fee that corresponds to his ancestor's holding. Cecilia put forward that the court should deny his claim as Roger Devereux had two sisters, Orenge and Sybil, and they possess an equal claim. As the descendents of Orenge put forward no claim, she asserts that she should not respond to the current complaint. Fulton countered that Orenge never married the man she was betrothed to, but that her children were by Parson Ralph de Lichelade and illegitimate. Cecilia put forward that it is true Orenge did not marry her fiancée, but land was given her as dowery based on her relationship with Parson Ralph, and the rights passed to her children thereby establishing their legitimacy. The land passed to their son, Ralph, who gave it to his brother, William. Cecilia showed that she had sued William, and the king’s court found in their favor establishing their legitimacy. She called for the court to vouch this warranty, which was done, and the court found in favor of Cecilia.[44] About 1235, a ‘Book of Fees’ was compiled for the military tenants of the Honour of Weobley held by Walter de Lacy. The list included William Devereux, grandson of Cecilia by her eldest son, Stephen, holding a half fee in (Lower) Hayton, Salop; and Cecilia Devereux and her son Nicholas holding four fees with William de Furches. Nicholas Devereux's holdings included Chanstone manor in Elnodestune, Hereford.

Walter’s ancestor, William Devereux, also had land at Putley at the time of Domesday in 1086.[45][46] Cecilia put forward a claim on the church at Putley, which was granted by the court. In April of 1205 the Bishop of Hereford was summoned to appear before the court for his refusal to admit a suitable priest to this church. He defended himself saying that his clergy refused to do this as they claimed possession of the church, and requested the right to present their case.[47] In June 1205 Hugh, Dean of Hereford, paid 2 marks for convening a court to hear his suit regarding the holding of Cecilia’s ancestral chapel at Putley. After the payment of an additional 90 shillings, Cecilia’s claim was set aside until the court could be convened.[48] On 6 June 1206, the Bishop of Hereford and his attorney appeared before the court claiming that the church of Putley was their right, and that it had been granted to Cecilia Devereux only because the action was done quickly preventing them from presenting their case. They were granted a further hearing. On 26 November 1206 the canons of Hereford testified that they had had possession and use of the church at Putley for the past 9 years, and that it was a gift of the grandfather (ancestor) of Cecilia Devereux, William Devereux. They present William’s charter, and a charter of the Bishop of Hereford confirming the gift. The canons stated that when they were informed of the grant of Cecilia’s claim, they went to the sheriff of Hereford requesting her claim be put on hold and were informed this would require a warrant of the king. They submitted an assize explaining their position, and paid 12 shillings for the court to be summoned. The sheriff did not have the jury ready as of this date, and the case was called again on 26 August 1206. At this time the matter was settled by examination of the charter of William Devereux conferring it upon the canons, and their demonstrated possession of the church 60 years previously.[49] Cecilia Devereux was fined 3 marks, and she released her claims and those of her future heirs. The canons paid Cecilia 8 marks, and granted her the privilege of having her name celebrated in Hereford Cathedral at the annual thanksgiving to benefactors, and daily in the church of Putley’s services.[50]

Notes

  1. ↑ The Devereux arms were depicted on the shield of one of 12 knights surrounding Bernard de Neufmarche in the stained glass of Worcester Cathedral, and Walter of Lyonshall made a grant on the foundation charter of Neufmarche for Brecon Priory
  2. ↑ Miles de Gloucester had married Sybil, daughter of Bernard de Neufmarché
  3. ↑ This was facilitated in 1138 when King Stephen, while in pursuit of Geoffrey Talbot, captured Hereford and Weobley for a time, and Hereford was set on fire
  4. ↑ The Great Rolls of the Pipe from 1159 to 1164 during the reign of Henry II list in Herefordshire Walter Devereux being granted 9 shillings 'In terris datis.'
  5. ↑ Humphrey II de Bohun married Margaret, the eldest daughter of Miles de Gloucester, earl of Hereford
  6. ↑ William de Braose Senior had married Berta, daughter of Miles de Gloucester, earl of Hereford
  7. ↑ Assise de morte antecessoris inter Walter de Euereus et fratres Ospitalis Jerusalem de 2 marcas redditus in Reneshullis est in praesentia domini Cantuariensis per literas suas directas justiciaris itinerantibus et recognicio non venerunt nisi vis et Henri de Saers esse se per Walter filius Walter et Walter de Wurmesle esse se per Hugonis filius Elie
  8. ↑ She was the sister of William de Longchamp, Bishop of Ely, and her other brother, Stephen de Longchamp, granted land to her eldest son, Stephen Devereux.
  9. ↑ John Devereux witnessed his brother, Stephen Devereux’s, grant to Wormsley Priory. He is known to have had a son, Walter Devereux, who was given as hostage for his good behavior to King Henry III.
  10. ↑ He had children that were in possession of Chanstone and other lands in Hereford throughout the 13th century.
  11. ↑ The Great Roll of the Pipe of Michaelmas 1212 during the reign of King John records the payment by Cecilia Devereux of 2 marks for making a false claim.

General References

Specific References

  1. ↑ Brock W. Holden. Lords of the Central Marches. (Oxford; Oxford University Press, 2008). page 92
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Morgan G. Watkins. Collections Towards the History and Antiquities of the County of Hereford in continuation of Duncumb’s History, Hundred of Radlow. (High Town [Hereford]: Jakeman & Carver, 1902). Page 42 to 49. Parish of Castle Frome, Genealogy contributed by Lord Hereford
  3. ↑ The Picards or Pychards of … Brecknockshire; … Herefordshire, and … Worcestershire. (London; Golding and Lawrence, 1878). Pages 2-4, 171
  4. ↑ Jim Bradbury. Stephen and Matilda, The Civil War of 1139-1153. (Somerset: Sutton Publishing, 1998). Pages 57.
  5. ↑ Jim Bradbury. Stephen and Matilda, The Civil War of 1139-1153. (Somerset: Sutton Publishing, 1998). Pages 90-98.
  6. ↑ Jim Bradbury. Stephen and Matilda, The Civil War of 1139-1153. (Somerset: Sutton Publishing, 1998). Pages 108-112.
  7. ↑ The Great Roll of the Pipe for the Sixth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Second, AD 1159-1160. Pipe Roll Society, Volume 2. (London: Wymand & Sons, 1884). Page 29 and 30.
  8. ↑ The Great Roll of the Pipe for the Tenth Year of the Reign of King Henry the Second, AD 1163-1164. Pipe Roll Society, Volume 7. (London: Wyman & Sons, 1886). Page 5 and 6.
  9. 1 2 3 Evelyn Philip Shirley. Stemmata Shirleiana. (Westminster: Nichols and Sons, 1873). page 103
  10. ↑ T Duffus Hardy (editor). Rotuli de Liberate ac de Misis et Praestitis, Regnante Johanne. London: George E. Etre and Andrew Spottiswoode, 1844. Page 194, and 205
  11. ↑ Placitorum in domo capitulari Westmonasteriensi asservatorum abbrevatio, temporibus regum Ric. I., Johann., Henr. III, Edw. I, Edw. II. Printed by Command of His Majesty King George III in pursuance of an address of The House of Commons of Great Britain. 1811. Page 2
  12. ↑ Francis Palgrave (editor). Rotuli curiae Regis: rolls and records of the court held before the King’s justices, volume 1, From the sixth year of King Richard I to the ascension of King John. London, 1835. Page 14.
  13. ↑ Theophilus Jones. A History of the County of Brecknock, Containing the Chorography, General History, Religion Laws, Customs, Manners, Language, and System of Agriculture Used in That County. London: Phillimore & Co, 1898 Edition. Page 212
  14. ↑ Brock W. Holden. Lords of the Central Marches. Oxford; Oxford University Press, 2008. Page 70. Cartularium Prioratus S. Johannis Evang. De Brecon, 14.33
  15. ↑ Theophilus Jones. A History of the County of Brecknock. (London: George North, 1809). Volume 2, Part 1, Pages 87 to 88
  16. ↑ Hubert Hall (Editor). The Red Book of the Exchequer. London: Printed for H. M. Stationery Off., by Eyre and Spottiswoode, 1896. Page 602, Part 2
  17. ↑ Roger Dodsworth. Monasticon Anglicanum by William Dugsdale. (London: 1673). Vol. 3, Additions to Volume 2, Stephen Devereux Charters for Lyonshall, page 49, 53
  18. ↑ Excerpta E Rotulis Finium in Turri Londinensi Asservatis, Henrico Tertio Rege, 1216-1272. 1831. Entry 504, membrane 4, 2 September 1245
  19. ↑ Robert William Eyton. Antiquities of Shropshire. (London: JR Smith, 1857). Pages 204-205
  20. ↑ HC Maxwell Lyte (editor). Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry III, Volume 1, 1227-1231. Published 1902. 2 April 1229, membrane 12
  21. ↑ HC Maxwell Lyte (editor). Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry III, Volume 2, 1231 to 1234. Published 1905. 17 August 1233, membrane 6d.
  22. ↑ Thomas Duffus Hardy. Rotuli Chartarum In Turri Londinensi Asservati: Pars 1. Ab anno MCXCIX ad annum MCCXVI, volume 1. Printed by Command of His Majesty King William IV. 1837. Page 94, membrane 8, 25 March 1229
  23. ↑ Liber Feodorum. The Book of Fees Commonly Called Testa de Nevill, Reformed From the Earliest Mss. By The Deputy Keeper of the Records. Part 1, AD 1198 -1242. London: Published by his Majesty’s Stationery Office. 1920. Pages 631-2
  24. ↑ Robert William Eyton. Antiquities of Shropshire. (London: JR Smith, 1857). Pages 26-29
  25. ↑ M.A. Faraday (editor). Deeds of the Palmer's Gild of Ludlow. (Shropshire: 2012). Page 243
  26. ↑ Thomas Duffus Hardy (editor). Rotuli Normanniae in turri Londinensi Asservati, Johanne et Henrico Quinto, Angliae Regibus, Volume 1 1200-1205. London. 1835. Page 86
  27. ↑ Thomas Asbridge. The Greatest Knight. (New York: Harper Collins, 2014). Page 249
  28. ↑ Charles Johnson and HA Cronne (editors). Regesta Regum Anglo-Normannorum, 1066-1154; Volume II, Regesta Henrici Primi, 1100-1135. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1956. Errata and Addenda to Volume I, page 410 LVIa (Addenda No. 379a)
  29. ↑ William Henry Hart (editor). Historia et Cartularium Monasterii Sancti Petri Gloucesteriae, Volume 2. London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, 1863. Page 40
  30. ↑ Francis Palgrave (editor). Rotuli curiae Regis: rolls and records of the court held before the King’s justices, volume 1, From the sixth year of King Richard I to the accession of King John. London, 1835. Page 339, membrane 6
  31. ↑ Francis Palgrave (editor). Rotuli curiae Regis: rolls and records of the court held before the King’s justices, volume 1, From the sixth year of King Richard I to the accession of King John. London, 1835. Page 291
  32. ↑ Francis Palgrave (editor). Rotuli curiae Regis: rolls and records of the court held before the King’s justices, volume 1, From the sixth year of King Richard I to the accession of King John. London, 1835. Page 435
  33. ↑ Francis Palgrave (editor). Rotuli curiae Regis: rolls and records of the court held before the King’s Justiciars or justices, volume 2, The First Year of King John. London, 1835. Page 103
  34. ↑ Francis Palgrave (editor). Rotuli curiae Regis: rolls and records of the court held before the King’s Justiciars or justices, volume 2, The First Year of King John. London, 1835. Page 188
  35. ↑ Placitorum in domo capitulari Westmonasteriensi asservatorum abbrevatio, temporibus regum Ric. I., Johann., Henr. III, Edw. I, Edw. II. Printed by Command of His Majesty King George III in pursuance of an address of The House of Commons of Great Britain. 1811. Page 87
  36. ↑ Curia Regis Rolls. Trinity Term, 14John (1212), membrane 17, page 367
  37. ↑ H.C. Maxwell Lyte (editor). A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds, Volume 1. 1890. B.1228, 30 November 1216.
  38. ↑ Excerpta E Rotulis Finium in Turri Londinensi Asservatis, Henrico Tertio Rege, 1216-1272. 1831. Entry 100, membrane 6
  39. ↑ Curia Regis Rolls. 22 May 4HenryIII (1220), membrane 15, page 102
  40. ↑ Placitorum in domo capitulari Westmonasteriensi asservatorum abbrevatio, temporibus regum Ric. I., Johann., Henr. III, Edw. I, Edw. II. Printed by Command of His Majesty King George III in pursuance of an address of The House of Commons of Great Britain. 1811. Page 33
  41. ↑ Curia Regis Rolls. Michaelmas Term 8John (1206), membrane 3, page 230
  42. ↑ Excerpta E Rotulis Finium in Turri Londinensi Asservatis, Henrico Tertio Rege, 1216-1272. 1831. Entry 75, membrane 7, 26 January 1222
  43. ↑ Major General the Hon. G. Wrottesley. Pedigrees From the Plea Rolls, collected froom the Pleadings in the Various Courts of Law, AD 1200 to 1500, from the Original Rolls in the Public Record Office. Great Britain, 1905. Page 517, 14 Jan 1224
  44. ↑ F.W. Maitland (editor). Bracton’s Note Book. A Collection of Cases Decided in the King’s Courts During the Reign of Henry the Third, Annotated by a Lawyer of that Time, Seemingly by Henry of Bratton, Volume II. London: CJ Clay & Sons, 1887. Page 182, Hilary, AD 1224, A.R. 8. Case 227, Hereford
  45. ↑ William Henry Hart (editor). Historia et Cartularium Monasterii Sancti Petri Gloucesteriae, Volume 1. London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, 1863. Pages 88, 118, 223, 226, 334, and 350
  46. ↑ William Henry Hart (editor). Historia et Cartularium Monasterii Sancti Petri Gloucesteriae, Volume 2. London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, 1863. Page 125
  47. ↑ Pleas Coria Regis. Easter Term 7John (1205), Hereford, Rot 4, page 46
  48. ↑ Sir Thomas Duffus Hardy. Rotuli de Oblatis et Finibus in Turri Londinensi Asservati, Tempore Regis Johannis. 1831. Page 297, 1205
  49. ↑ Collections Towards the History and Antiquities of the County of Hereford in continuation of Duncumb’s History, volume III. By William Henry Cooke. London: John Murray, Albermarle Street. 1882, Page 92, Greytree Hundred
  50. ↑ Sir William Dugdale, knight Monasticon Anglicanum, Volume the 6th part III. London: Published for the Proprietors by James Bohn, 12, King William Street, Charing Cross. 1846, page 1217
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