William de Redvers, 5th Earl of Devon

The 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(d. 1217), : Or, a lion rampant azure

William de Reviers, 5th Earl of Devon (died 10 September 1217) was the son of Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon and Adelise Baluun. William de Redvers is also William de Vernon, because he was brought up at Vernon Castle, in Normandy, the seat of his grandfather.

He took part in Richard the Lionheart's second coronation, in 1194, when the Canopy was supported by four Earls; he consistently supported King John. Nevertheless, at the end of John's life, the King permitted Falkes de Breauté, one of his mercenary captains to seize the Earl's widowed daughter-in-law, force a marriage, and grab her dowry. These events are also featured in the novel Leopards and Lilies by Alfred Duggan.

On his death his title passed to his grandson Baldwin de Redvers, 6th Earl of Devon, his only son having died.

Family and children

He was married to Mabile de Beaumont, daughter of Robert de Beaumont, Count of Meulan and granddaughter (on her mother's side) of Reginald, Earl of Cornwall and had children:

• Baldwin de Redvers (b. after 28 April 1200; d. 1 September 1216).
• Mary de Redvers, married
  1. Pierre des Preaux
  2. Robert de Courtenay(d.1242) feudal baron of Okehampton, Devon, great-grandfather of Hugh de Courtenay, 9th Earl of Devon(d.1340).
• Joan de Redvers, married William Brewere; she had been engaged to Hubert de Burgh, later Earl of Kent, but it was broken off.

References

• The Complete Peerage, under Earl of Devon.

External links

• Redvers family

Peerage of England
Preceded by Richard de Redvers	Earl of Devon 1193–1217	Succeeded by Baldwin de Redvers