Walter Devereux, 1st Viscount Hereford, died at his family seat at Chartley, Staffordshire, on 17 September 1558. He had spent much of his adult life in royal service under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I.

Under Henry VIII, Devereux held several administrative positions and served in the government of the Welsh Marches. In 1544, he accompanied the king on the French campaign that resulted in the capture of Boulogne.

His position strengthened under Edward VI. Devereux became a Privy Councillor in 1550 and was created Viscount Hereford the same year. He was associated with John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, whose dominance at court eventually drew Devereux into the succession crisis of 1553.

After Edward’s death, Devereux supported the attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne. Mary defeated the attempt and became queen. Devereux was among those imprisoned for supporting Northumberland and Jane.

He was later released, though he lost several offices. He remained Viscount Hereford until his death five years later. His titles passed to his grandson Walter Devereux.