Nicholas Devereux of Chanston

Nicholas Devereux of Chanston (Vowchurch) was an Anglo-Norman nobleman living during the reigns of John and Henry III of England. The Devereux were a prominent knightly family along the Welsh Marches during the thirteenth century, and Nicholas Devereux was a key member of the retinue of Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath.

Nicholas Devereux was born about 1196, 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. Following his death the Testa de Nevil listed Cecilia Devereux and her son Nicholas holding part of a fee in Chanston(e). Their sons were fostered for training as knights: Stephen Devereux with William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke; John Devereux with William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber; 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.

Nicholas Devereux joined the retinue of Walter de Lacy about 1205. De Lacy was the son-in-law of the William de Braose who was holding his father’s estates for the king. In 1203, John granted custody of the city of Limerick to de Braose. and Walter de Lacy served as his deputy here. Over the next several years Walter de Lacy became involved in a conflict with Meiler Fitzhenry, Justiciar of Ireland, and by 1208 was solidifying his hold on Meath. Nicholas Devereux would spend his early years supporting his lord in Ireland.