Sir Richard de Exeter


Sir Richard de Exeter was an Anglo-Norman knight and baron.
The son of Richard de Exeter, Sir Richard held 'in capite' in Meath the lands of Straghcallan, Carrig, Listathell, Bryangston, Crowenbeg, Rathslyberaght. He had messuages, lands and rents in Rathbranna, Donneynin, Imelaghbegan and Le Newenhagard near Trim; the manors of Derver and Corbally; and an estate around Athleague in County Roscommon.
He seems to have held the manors of Barronnyston and Phelipyston de Nuget in right of his wife, Elizabeth.
During his career he served as Sheriff of Roscommon in 1292 and 1302, keeper of Roscommon and Rindown castles in 1302 and 1304. He served as Chief Justice of the Common Pleas during the latter part of his life.
In '"The Impact of the Bruce Invasion of Ireland" James Lydon notes that "During the war a petition asked for the rmoval of Richard d'Exeter, Chief Justice of the Common Bench, who was suspect because of his association with the rebel, Walter de Lacy, who had married his daughter, and with many other who were hostile to the king."
De Exeter died in 1327. A son, Simon de Exeter, also served as Chief Justice of the Common Please in 1335, while another son, Richard de Exeter, is recorded as owning the manor of Derver, Meath, in 1347. He may have had a brother, Father Nicholas de Exeter, with whom he made a transfer of land in 1305.