William de Redvers, 5th Earl of Devon (died 10 September 1217) (or de Reviers), of Tiverton Castle and Plympton Castle, both in Devon, was feudal baron of Plympton in Devon.

Origins

He was the son of Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon by his wife Adelize Ballon. William de Redvers is also known as William de Vernon, because he was brought up at Vernon Castle, in Normandy, the seat of his grandfather Richard de Redvers.

Career

In 1194, De Redvers took part in the second coronation of King Richard the Lionheart (1189-1199), when the Canopy was supported by four Earls. He was a firm supporter of Richard's younger brother and heir King John (1199-1216), but after John's death, he permitted Falkes de Breauté, one of his mercenary captains, to seize De Redvers' widowed daughter-in-law, force a marriage, and take her dowry. These events are featured in Alfred Duggan's novel, Leopards and Lilies (1954).

Marriage and issue

He married Mabel de Beaumont, a daughter of Robert de Beaumont, Count of Meulan by his wife Maud FitzRoy, a daughter and co-heiress of Reginald de Dunstanville, 1st Earl of Cornwall by his wife Beatrice FitzRichard. By Mabel de Beaumont he had one son who predeceased him and two daughters:

Death and succession

He died on 10 September 1217 when his title passed to his grandson, Baldwin de Redvers, 6th Earl of Devon, his only son Baldwin de Redvers having predeceased him.

Footnotes