Sir Edward Devereux, 1st Baronet of Castle Bromwich facts for kids

Sir Edward Devereux lived a long time ago, from about 1544 to 1622. He was an important person in England who worked in politics. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a parliament where laws are made. He also held a special title called a Baronet.

Edward's Early Life and Home

Edward Devereux was born around 1544. His father was Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford. Edward's father helped him settle in Castle Bromwich when he married Catherine Arden. Catherine came from Park Hall in Warwickshire.

When his father passed away, Edward did not inherit much land. But in 1572, he bought the rights to the Castle Bromwich area from his half-nephew, Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex. This land was part of what his mother, Margaret, was using. In 1599, Sir Edward built a grand house called Castle Bromwich Hall. It was built in a style called Jacobean, which was popular back then.

Edward's Political Career

Edward Devereux was a Member of Parliament for Tamworth from 1588 to 1589. This meant he helped make decisions and laws for the country.

He also served as the Sheriff of Warwickshire from 1593 to 1594. A Sheriff was a very important official who helped keep law and order in the county.

Becoming a Baronet

Edward Devereux became quite wealthy during his life. In 1611, he paid King James I a large sum of money, £1000. This money was to help the King deal with a rebellion in Ireland. Because of this payment, King James gave Edward the special title of Baronet of Castle Bromwich on November 25, 1611. He was also knighted the next year.

When his son, Walter Devereux, got married around 1615, Edward gave him the land of Stoke Lacy in Herefordshire.

Family Life and Challenges

After Edward passed away, his son Walter had a big disagreement with his mother, Catherine, about what he inherited. The problem was an agreement made in 1601. This agreement said that Catherine could keep Castle Bromwich during her lifetime. In return, she would pay Walter a yearly rent and let him use some rooms in the house. She also had to let him have the profits from timber on the estate.

Walter felt these arrangements were unfair. He complained that his mother's income from the land was now more than his own, even though he was his father's heir. Catherine said that Walter was trying to hide things about the property. She also said he wouldn't give her half the interest from money her husband had loaned out. Sir Edward had loaned out a lot of money, about £21,000!

Sadly for Walter, the 1601 agreement was legal. So, his mother Catherine kept Castle Bromwich and most of its contents until she passed away in 1627.

Edward's Family

Edward Devereux married Katherine Arden. She was the oldest daughter of Edward Arden from Park Hall, Warwickshire. They had many children:

• Ambrose Devereux (born around 1566) died before his father and never married.
• Anne Devereux (around 1570 - 1620) married Robert Leighton.
• Grace Devereux (born around 1572).
• Sir Walter Devereux, 5th Viscount Hereford (around 1575 - 1656) took over his father's title.
• Henry Devereux married Barbara Smalbroke but did not have children.
• Margaret Devereux (around 1575 - 1615) married Sir Hugh Wrottesley.
• Edward Devereux (born around 1576) never married.
• William Devereux (born around 1579) never married.
• Sir George Devereux (around 1581 - 1665) lived in Sheldon Hall, Warwickshire. He married Blanch Ridge. They had many children: George, Walter, Arden, Edward, William, Samuel, and Robert. His grandson, Price Devereux, later became the 9th Viscount Hereford.
• Howarda Devereux (around 1586 - 1619) married Thomas Dilke.

Edward's Passing

Sir Edward Devereux passed away on September 22, 1622. He was buried in Aston, Warwickshire. His wife, Katherine, passed away a few years later on November 20, 1627, and was buried next to him.