Agnes de Bonvillars served as Harlech's constable from 1287 until 1290 after the death of her husband John, who had been appointed in 1285. Master James of St George remained responsible for construction. One explanation for the soldiers' loyalty is that a successor could replace men associated with Agnes. Hired yeoman archers also lacked the social standing through which a nobleman might try to gain advancement by forcing a marriage. In this interpretation, protecting her position helped protect their employment.
Notable Point · 17:46-18:57
Agnes de Bonvillars and the garrison's loyalty
Agnes held Harlech's constableship after her husband's death, while the professional soldiers had practical reasons to protect her position.