The Earls of Devon (one of the "Medieval Hierarchy" Series)
-------------------------------------------
PART THREE: This completes the
COURTENAY family up until the mid-16th c.
ONLY the main family members are shown.
Sources for the genealogical details are varied,
but are usually very reliable. Sources include
Burke's Peerage and the Complete Peerage.
However, these genealogical details are intended
as a general guide only, and the viewer is
encouraged to seek his or her own confirmation.
However, feel free to make ANY comment. Please mail me, John Lerwill.
Link to Devon History Selection.
Last updated 8th March, 1999.
|
N.B. Where a name is shown in red, click on this name
to bring up details of the preceding/succeeding family.
Please see additional notes at BOTTOM OF PAGE.
|
NOTES
The last Earl shown, Edward, died in Padua, Italy, in 1556 after being released from the Tower by Queen Mary in 1553.
It is thought that the Queen desired his attentions, whilst he preferred the Princess Elizabeth, causing certain jealousy in the Queen!
He died whilst on a tour of Europe. Their being no acceptable male heirs, the Courtenay properties where dissipated amongst
various female lines. The Courtenay name was to again become associated with the Earldom in 1831, when it transpired that an error
had been made in respect of inheritence to the Earldom some 275 years previous.
The background to Edward's imprisonment goes back to the Wars of the Roses and the Courtenay's allegiance to the Lancastrian cause.
The Courtenay family was decimated as a result of this support, and also caused temporary suspension of their rights to properties
and the Earldom. Having been restored in 1485, the Courtenays were, however, under constant suspicion. Edward's father had been
imprisoned in the Tower from 1521 until execution in 1538, and his (Henry's) father William had also been imprisoned (until 1511).
William's wife Katherine was a daughter of King Edward IV, and youngest sister to Henry VII's Queen. Henry VIII was, therefore, a nephew
to William. The Princess Katherine was a popular figure in Devon, regarded as the "quiet, proud, gentle lady".
Edward, the 10th Earl, was Admiral of the King's Fleet and sometime Earl Marshal of England. However, he is known as the "blind earl"
with the result of the loss of his eyesight.
This Medieval Hierachy Series was initiated as a result of looking into my own family's medieval history. I noticed the
strong links created between the families of the Earls of Devon, Gloucester, Leicester and others. I hope that this Series will
be extended by the inclusion of many additional families, particularly those of Devon and the West Country, regardless of their
importance in the Medieval Hierarchy.
Please mail me with family details and/or other comment. John Lerwill.