Walter Devereux, 5th Viscount Hereford facts for kids
Sir Walter Devereux, who lived from about 1575 to 1656, was an important English politician. He held the title of 5th Viscount Hereford and was the 2nd Baronet of Castle Bromwich. A baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family. A viscount is a noble title, ranking above a baron but below an earl. Sir Walter was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons, which is part of the English government, at different times between 1614 and 1624. Later, he inherited the family title of Viscount Hereford.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Walter Devereux was born around 1575. His father was Sir Edward Devereux, who was the 1st Baronet of Castle Bromwich. His mother was Catherine Arden. Walter's grandfather was also named Sir Walter Devereux, who became the 1st Viscount Hereford in 1550. This means the title of Viscount Hereford was created for his grandfather.
In 1622, Walter became the 2nd Baronet when his father passed away. Later, in 1646, he inherited the title of 5th Viscount Hereford. He received this title from his first cousin, Robert Devereux, who was the 3rd Earl of Essex. Robert was his "first cousin twice removed," which means they shared a great-great-grandparent.
A Career in Politics
Sir Walter Devereux was very active in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for several areas.
- In 1614, he was an MP for Stafford.
- In 1621, he was elected as an MP for Marlborough.
- In 1624, he represented Worcestershire in Parliament.
- In 1625, he became an MP for Worcester.
Being an MP meant he helped make laws and decisions for the country. In 1625, he also served as the High Sheriff of Worcestershire. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, responsible for keeping the peace and carrying out legal duties in the county.
Becoming Viscount Hereford
When his cousin, Robert Devereux, the 3rd Earl of Essex, died in 1646, Sir Walter inherited the title of 5th Viscount Hereford. However, he did not inherit the title of Earl of Essex because that title could not be passed down to him and it ended.
After becoming a Viscount, Lord Hereford took on more important roles. In 1646, he was appointed as the Lord Lieutenant of Monmouthshire. A Lord Lieutenant was the King's personal representative in a county. They were responsible for organizing the local militia (a group of citizens who could be called upon to defend the area). In 1648, he also joined the Radnorshire Militia Committee, continuing his work in local defense.
His Family Life
Sir Walter Devereux was married two times. His first wife was Elizabeth Baspole. His second wife was Elizabeth Knightley. With Elizabeth Knightley, he had three sons:
- Essex Devereux (1615–1639): He married Anne Courteen. Sadly, Essex drowned in a boating accident. He left behind one daughter, Elizabeth. His wife Anne later married Sir Richard Knightley.
- Leicester Devereux: He became the 6th Viscount Hereford after his father passed away.
- Walter Devereux (1621–1683): He also became a Member of Parliament, representing Orford.
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