William de Redvers, 5th Earl of Devon facts for kids
William de Redvers, 5th Earl of Devon (who died on September 10, 1217), was an important figure in medieval England. He was also known as William de Reviers. His main homes were Tiverton Castle and Plympton Castle, both in Devon. He was also the feudal baron of Plympton, meaning he held a large area of land there directly from the king.
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Who Was William de Redvers?
William de Redvers was the son of Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon and his wife, Adelize Ballon. He was also known as William de Vernon. This was because he grew up at Vernon Castle in Normandy, which was the home of his grandfather, Richard de Redvers.
His Life and Times
In 1194, William de Redvers took part in the second coronation of King Richard the Lionheart. He was one of four earls who helped support the canopy over the king during the ceremony.
William was a strong supporter of King Richard's younger brother, King John, who ruled from 1199 to 1216. After King John's death, there were some difficult times in England. William de Redvers continued to be an important noble during this period.
Family Life
William de Redvers married Mabel de Beaumont. She was the daughter of Robert de Beaumont, Count of Meulan. Together, William and Mabel had one son and two daughters.
His Son, Baldwin
Their son, Baldwin de Redvers, was born after April 28, 1200. He was meant to inherit his father's titles. However, Baldwin sadly died on September 1, 1216, when he was less than 16 years old. He had married Margaret FitzGerold. Baldwin left behind a son, who would later become Baldwin de Redvers, 6th Earl of Devon.
His Daughters
William and Mabel also had two daughters:
- Mary de Redvers, also known as "Mary de Vernon." She married twice. Her second marriage was to Robert de Courtenay, who was the feudal baron of Okehampton in Devon. Through this marriage, the Courtenay family later inherited the barony of Plympton in 1293. They were also declared Earls of Devon in 1335.
- Joan de Redvers. She married William Brewere. Joan had been planned to marry Hubert de Burgh, 1st Earl of Kent, but that marriage did not happen.
His Death
William de Redvers died on September 10, 1217. Since his only son, Baldwin, had died before him, William's titles and lands passed to his grandson, Baldwin de Redvers, 6th Earl of Devon.
Images for kids
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Arms of the de Redvers, adopted at the start of the age of heraldry (c. 1200–1215), probably by William de Redvers, 5th Earl of Devon (died 1217): Or, a lion rampant azure
