Kingmakers: How Power in England Was Won and Lost on the Welsh Frontier

The Marcher lords were essential for the protection of the Anglo-Welsh borders, but their power and influence grew, leading to conflicts such as the civil war and the overthrow of Edward II and Richard II. Timothy Venning explores their mentality and the careers of those who prospered from their loyalty or treachery.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

For a medieval English king, delegation was a necessary evil; and nowhere more necessary – nor more potentially disastrous – than on the Anglo-Welsh borders. The Marcher lords first empowered by William I were relied upon by subsequent Norman and Plantagenet kings to protect the dangerous frontiers of the realm. In Wales, as in Ireland, the smaller size and military weakness of divided neighbouring states encouraged conquest, with the seized lands enhancing the power of the aggressive English lords. They were granted ever greater authority by the monarch, to the point where they believed they ruled like kings. They intermarried, schemed for extra lands, and snatched power in a complex and often violent political process. Owing to their resources and unparalleled military effectiveness, they soon came to overawe kings and dominate national events. The strength of the Marcher lords would come to the fore at numerous times in the nations history in the shape of notorious figures such as Simon de Montfort and Roger Mortimer. The civil war of King Stephens reign, the baronial resistance to King John, the overthrow of Edward II and Richard II; all of these crises turned upon the involvement of the lords of the Marches. Timothy Venning explores their mentality and reveals the dramatic careers both of those who prospered from their loyalty to the king and those whose power was gained by treachery – from the Norman Conquest to the beginnings of the Tudor dynasty.

For a medieval English king, delegation was a necessary evil; and nowhere more necessary – nor more potentially disastrous – than on the Anglo-Welsh borders.

The Marcher lords, initially empowered by William I, were crucial in safeguarding the perilous frontiers of the realm for subsequent Norman and Plantagenet kings. In Wales, as in Ireland, the smaller size and military weakness of divided neighboring states fostered conquest, as the seized lands bolstered the power of the aggressive English lords. These lords were granted increasing authority by the monarch, to the point where they believed they ruled like kings. They intermarried, plotted for additional lands, and seized power through complex and often violent political processes.

Owing to their substantial resources and unparalleled military prowess, the Marcher lords soon exerted their dominance over kings and dominated national events. Their strength would be evident at various junctures in the nation's history, through notorious figures such as Simon de Montfort and Roger Mortimer. The civil war during King Stephens' reign, the baronial resistance against King John, the overthrow of Edward II and Richard II; all of these crises hinged upon the involvement of the lords of the Marches.

Timothy Venning delves into the mindset of these lords and unveils the remarkable careers of those who thrived through loyalty to the king, as well as those who acquired power through treachery – spanning from the Norman Conquest to the early days of the Tudor dynasty.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398119499