Sep 25, 2025
Henry V, too, depended heavily, at first, upon his father’s retainers and on men with whom he had formed associations whilst he was prince or had retained soon after his accession (Sir Thomas Carew is an example). His close friend, Richard Courtenay, bishop of Norwich, became a major influence on Henry’s Devonshire appointments: his brother, William Courtenay, was retained by the king and his brother-in-law, Robert Cary, was a J .P. for Devonshire, escheator in 1413—14 and was frequently appointed to commissions in the county.
Martin Cherry, "The Courtenay earls of Devon: the formation and disintegration of a late medieval aristocratic affinity", Southern History, vol. 1 (1979)
#henry v#richard courtenay bishop of norwich#william courtenay#robert cary#historian: martin cherry#courtenays#so interesting#a) there is another historian who argues that courtenay was basically absent in his responsibilities as lord courtenay of powderham#whereas this suggests that courtenay wasn't as removed from his devon roots as that might suggest#(and - to be clear - his absence was due to his clerical/ecclesiastical/political career; he wasn't faffing around doing nothing)#b) his brother william is the only one of his siblings besides rc himself mentioned in their uncle william courtenay's will#(their uncle the archbishop of canterbury) but that mention suggests william was ill as the bequest was only should he reach age 12#so... this suggests that william DID survive well past 12 yrs old#yay :)
