Francis Courtenay (died 1638)

Arms of Courtenay of Powderham: Or, three torteaux a label azure. These were also the arms of Hugh Courtenay, 2nd Earl of Devon (d.1377), and can be seen impaling Bohun on the monumental brass of one of his younger sons Sir Peter Courtenay (d.1405) in Exeter Cathedral

Francis Courtenay, de jure 4th Earl of Devon, (ca. 1576 – 3 June 1638) of Powderham, Devon, was an English Member of Parliament. In 1831 he was recognised retrospectively as having been de jure 4th Earl of Devon, having succeeded his father in 1630.

Origins

He was the second but eldest surviving son of Sir William V Courtenay (1553–1630), de jure 3rd Earl of Devon of Powderham Castle, Devon, by his first wife Elizabeth Manners, daughter of Henry Manners, 2nd Earl of Rutland (c.1516–1563), KG.

Career

He was MP for Devonshire in 1625 and for Grampound in 1626.

Marriage & progeny

He married twice:

• Firstly to a daughter of Sir William Pole (1561-1635), of Shute, Devon, the antiquary. Without progeny.
• Secondly to Elizabeth Seymour, a daughter of Sir Edward Seymour, 2nd Baronet (c.1580-1659) of Berry Pomeroy, Devon, by whom he had progeny including:
  • Sir William Courtenay, 1st Baronet (d.1702).

References

• http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/Devon1553.htm