The Devereux, along with the Baskervilles and Pichards, were prominent knightly families along the Welsh marches at the beginning of the twelfth century, and linked to the Braose and Lacy lordships of the region.
Following the Norman conquest of England, William Devereux was granted lands along the Welsh Marches in Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Gloucester as a member of the retinue of Walter de Lacy.
Walter de Lacy, and probably William Devereux as part of his retinue, played a critical role in preventing the earl of Hereford’s forces linking up with the other rebels, which lead to the collapse of the revolt.
[3] During the time of King William Rufus in 1096 he was identified as granting a hide in Herefordshire, and two tenths (duas decimas) from 'Leech and Hadrop'.
[4] A list of donations to the abbey showed William Devereux giving one hide of land in Jerchenfeld, Westone, and tithes from Haythrop, in the time of Abbot Serlo (1072 to 1104).
In 1170 a nave was constructed in Worcester Cathedral containing a stained glass window, showing Bernard de Neufmarche surrounded by 12 knights, and one bore the Devereux shield.
In 1095 King William II lost men and horses on a foray into Wales, and again led an expedition in 1097 that failed to bring the Welsh to battle.
They had issue: According to the Domesday Book, William Devereux held the following lands valued at about £17 12 shillings in 1086 under the tenant-in-chief Roger de Lacy:[2]