Edward III rewarded Alice de Lacy and her second husband, Eubulus le Strange, after their assistance during his takeover. They received Builth for life, linking the castle to loyalty at the start of the new reign. After Eubulus died, Hugh de Freyne forced Alice into marriage and thereby gained recognition as lord of Builth. The act was considered unacceptable even then, but Alice lacked surviving family able to defend her and the king chose not to intervene. Her case shows how inheritance could be redirected when a politically exposed landholder had little protection.
Chapter · 6:23-7:48
Alice de Lacy and coerced lordship
Alice de Lacy's life grant and forced marriage to Hugh de Freyne show how personal vulnerability could redirect a strategically useful lordship.