Sir Richard Devereux was a rising political figure during the reign of Henry VIII and Edward VI when his career was cut short by his sudden death during the life of his father. His son would complete the family's ascendency when he was created Earl of Essex.
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Family
He was born by 1513, the son of Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford and Mary Grey (1491-22 February 1538).
His paternal grandparents were John Devereux, 9th Baron Ferrers of Chartley and Cecily Bourchier. His maternal grandparents were Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset and his second wife Cecily Bonville, Baroness Harington and Bonville.
Career
Richard Devereux lived in Carmarthen, Wales where he was Bailiff from 1534 to 1535, and Mayor in 1536 to 1537. He was Commissioner for the tenths of spiritualities for St. David's diocese in 1535. He later came out strongly for the canons in their dispute with Bishop Barlow of St. David's. In 1542 he was a candidate for election to Parliament, and noted for enlivening the town of Carmarthen by his encouragement of unruly behaviour and resort to force, which prompted his adversary to lodge a complaint. Later in 1546 Devereux would be examined by the Privy Council for comments on religious practices he thought were superstitious.