William Devereux (1219–1265) facts for kids

William Devereux (born in 1219, died in 1265) was a very important person in medieval England. He was a Marcher Lord, which meant he controlled lands near the border of Wales. His main home was Lyonshall Castle, a key stronghold that helped guard the border. This castle became even more important when Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the Prince of Wales, started a rebellion. William Devereux had strong family connections to powerful families like the Cantilupes and Giffards. Because of this, both King Henry III and Simon de Montfort wanted his support during the Second Barons' War, a big fight for power in England.

Who Was William Devereux?

William Devereux was born in 1219. His father was Stephen Devereux, and his mother was Isabel de Cantilupe. His mother's father, William de Cantilupe (died 1239), was also a powerful figure. William's father, Stephen, was a close friend of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, a very important leader. This connection helped the Devereux family become well-known along the Welsh Marches, which were the borderlands between England and Wales. The Devereux family had been important landowners since the time of the Domesday Book, a famous survey of England made in 1086.

When William was young, his family's coat of arms, a special design used to identify knights and families, showed a red stripe (called a "fess") and three red circles (called "torteauxes") on a silver background.

Growing Up and Taking Control

William was only 8 years old when his father died. This meant his lands and future were looked after by his mother's family, especially his uncles William de Cantelupe and Walter de Cantilupe, who became a bishop. His father's brothers, John Devereux of Bodenham and Decies and Nicholas Devereux of Chanston, also helped protect his interests. The Cantelupe family had close ties to Simon de Montfort, which would later affect William's choices during the Barons' War.

When William's father died, the King took control of William's lands because he was too young to manage them. These lands were first managed by Gilbert de Lacy, and later by Gilbert's father, Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath. William had to deal with some old family disputes over land and church matters, which were eventually settled.

By 1240, William was old enough to take charge of his own estates. He worked hard to regain control of his family's lands and strengthen his position as a powerful Marcher Lord. His main base was Lyonshall Castle in Herefordshire. He owned many manors, which were large estates with villages and farms, including Ballingham, Frome Haymond, Holme Lacy, Stoke Lacy, and Whitchurch maund in Herefordshire. He also had lands in other counties like Gloucestershire, Somersetshire, Shropshire, and Cambridgeshire.

In 1251, King Henry III gave William Devereux special permission to have a "free warren" on his lands. This meant he had the right to hunt small game like rabbits and hares on his own property without others interfering.

Around 1258, William married Maud de Giffard. This marriage brought him even more connections to powerful families, as Maud's brothers, Godfrey Giffard and Walter Giffard, were important church leaders who later became Chancellors of England.

William's Role in Conflicts

William Devereux was often called upon to serve the King in military campaigns, especially against the Welsh.

Fighting in Wales

After the death of Llywelyn the Great in 1240, his son, Dafydd ap Llywelyn, continued to resist English rule. King Henry III called William Devereux and other Marcher Lords to gather their forces. William was part of the English army that fought the Welsh, forcing Dafydd to sign a peace treaty in 1241.

In 1244, another Welsh revolt began, and William Devereux was again sent with the King's army to fight. The English won a battle in 1245. For his loyal service, the King gave William 10 oak trees from the Haye forest.

When Llywelyn ap Gruffudd became Prince of Wales in 1246, tensions continued. William Devereux was often summoned to defend the Welsh Marches. In 1257, when Llywelyn invaded South Wales, William was part of a special council formed to protect the borderlands. He was ordered to gather his soldiers and horses to fight the Welsh.

The Barons' War

England faced a big crisis in 1258 when powerful barons, led by Simon de Montfort, rebelled against King Henry III. They were unhappy with how the King was ruling and spending money. This led to the Provisions of Oxford, which tried to give more power to the barons and reform the government.

At first, William Devereux remained loyal to King Henry III. He was ordered to bring his men and weapons to London to support the King. In return for his loyalty, the King gave William gifts like deer from royal parks.

However, the civil war, known as the Second Barons' War, continued. In 1263, William was again ordered to defend his castle at Lyonshall against Welsh attacks.

As the conflict grew, William Devereux fought for the King's side at the Battle of Northampton in 1264. He was also with the King's forces at the Battle of Lewes on May 14, 1264. In this battle, King Henry III and his son, Prince Edward, were captured. This made Simon de Montfort the real ruler of England.

After the Battle of Lewes, William Devereux likely changed his loyalty and joined Simon de Montfort's side. This decision might have been influenced by his cousin, Thomas de Cantilupe, who was now an important official in Montfort's government.

Death and Legacy

When Prince Edward escaped from captivity in May 1265, fighting started again. William Devereux was now fighting alongside Simon de Montfort. The two sides met at the Battle of Evesham on August 4, 1265. William Devereux was killed in this battle while fighting for the barons.

After his death, William's lands were taken by the King because he had fought against the crown. However, his wife, Maud de Giffard, was allowed to keep some lands for herself and her children. Her powerful brothers, especially Walter Giffard, who was the Chancellor of England, helped her recover some of the Devereux family's properties.

William's son, also named William Devereux, later managed to get back the family lands. This was done under the Dictum of Kenilworth, a special agreement that allowed those who had fought against the King to get their lands back by paying a ransom.

William Devereux's wife, Maud, died in 1297 and was buried in Worcester Cathedral.

Family Life

William Devereux married twice.

First Marriage

His first wife was a daughter of Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk. They married around 1240 and had several children:

• Margery Devereux
• William Devereux, who became his heir
• Simon Devereux
• Roger Devereux

His first wife passed away around 1254.

Second Marriage

Around 1258, William married Maud de Giffard. She was the daughter of Hugh de Giffard. Maud's brothers, Godfrey Giffard and Walter Giffard, were very influential church leaders. William and Maud had these children:

• Maud Devereux
• John Devereux
• Thomas Devereux
• Sibyl Devereux