Stephen Devereux

Stephen Devereux (c. 1191 – 1228) was a powerful Marcher Lord, and held Lyonshall Castle controlling an important approach to the border of Wales. As a key member of William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke retinue, he played a significant role in the Earl's support of King John during the First Barons' War, and during the minority of Henry III.

Stephen Devereux was descended from William Devereux, a Domesday Landholder in Gloucester and Hereford under Tenant-in-chief Roger de Lacy. The Devereux were a prominent knightly family on the Welsh marches with their power centered on Lyonshall Castle. Their coat of arms was: "Argent, fess and three roundels in chief gules."

Stephen Devereux was born about 1191, the eldest of three sons of Walter Devereux and Cecilia de Longchamp. Cecilia was the daughter of Sir Hugh de Longchamp and sister to William de Longchamp, Lord Chancellor of England. His father, Walter, died in 1197, and as a member of the retinue of William de Braose this probably occurred in France during May of 1197 at the assault on the castle at Milly-sur-Thérain. Braose was with Richard I as he campaigned to regain his territories lost while Richard was held captive by Leopold of Austria. Walter Devereux’s lands passed into the King's hands and were placed in the custody of the sheriff of Hereford, William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber. His sons were placed in the retinue of local lords for training as knights: Stephen Devereux with William Marshal, earl of Pembroke; Nicholas Devereux with Walter de Lacy, Lord of Meath; and John Devereux with William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber. Stephen’s mother, Cecilia, launched into a series of legal fights to preserve her dower rights and the Devereux properties.