John Devereux of Bodenham and Decies

John Devereux of Bodenham and Decies was an Anglo-Norman nobleman living during the reigns of King John and Henry III of England. The Devereux were a prominent knightly family along the Welsh Marches during the thirteenth century, and John Devereux was a key member of the retinue of Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke, and companion of Walter III de Clifford, Baron of Clifford.

John Devereux was born about 1193, the son of Walter Devereux and Cecilia de Longchamp. His father was a member of the retinue of William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber, and upon Walter’s death about 1197 his estates were taken into de Braose’s hands for the king. Walter Devereux’s sons were fostered for training as knights: John Devereux with William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber;Stephen Devereux, with William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke; and Nicholas Devereux, with Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath. The three brothers would sire the three Devereux families that would play an integral role in controlling the Welsh Marches during the thirteenth century.

John Devereux joined the retinue of William de Braose about 1200 as de Braose expanded his holdings in Wales, and reclaimed his family’s rights in Limerick, Ireland. On 2 April 1203 the King ordered 'William de Patell' (William de Preaux} to grant the lands in France held in the King's hands (and possession of Lodovic Luvet de Fontenum) to Cecilia Devereux as guardian of the heir, John. Cecilia was identified as the daughter(-in-law) of John, Lord Devereux, who was the grandfather of the said heir, John. The grant was witnessed by William de Braose.