Marcher Lords

Semi-independent nobles on the Welsh–English border, granted special privileges in return for protecting the border area. In William (I) the Conqueror's reign, strong lords were placed in Chester, Shrewsbury, and Hereford to protect England from Celtic or Saxon incursions. They began to usurp power in their own right, making wars of their own, particularly in the valleys of South Wales, and claiming rights of conquest. After Edward I subjugated Wales, the Marcher Lords no longer played a vital role in the protection of the realm and Edward sought to restrict their independence. They increasingly lost influence during the 12th and 13th centuries but remained important in moments of crisis for the crown, such as the Marshall Rebellion or the Wars of the Roses. By the end of the 15th century most of the lordships had come into the possession of the crown and the last independent lordship, Brecon, was taken by the crown in 1521. They were formally united with England in 1536.