entry, 13 Edward I., that it was their duty to serve a chapel or chantry within the castle, then called "the King's Castle." 25 Edward L, John Giffard was custos, and his allowance was reduced by the treasury because it was more than was usual.
17 Edward II., 1324, a survey was taken of the castle for the Crown. The castle yard and curtilage were worth per annum 12d., and there were 40 acres in demesne of arable at 3d. per acre, total I OS. Also 10 acres of meadow at 12d., total 10s. Also the "communitas patriae," hangers on outside the vill, paid the king every second year, for all services and annual rents, 10 cows or 20 marcs in money at the lord's pleasure, that is, £1 6s. 8d. for each cow, its money-value at that time. Rents of assize in Lanveir 70s., probably from 75 burgesses. A ferry 4s. per annum. The land of Talevan, in the king's hands, 2s. The land of Tyr Maukyn, 2s. Pannage of hogs, 20s. The king had there four mills, each at 10s. No villenage there. All pleas and perquisites of the court merchant in Lanveir 57s. per annum. Pleas and pay- ments of the courts "patriae," 17s. Ammobrages, 13s, 4d. No royalties, villenage, demesne, or other outgoings. No profits accruing to the king in Builth save the above.
Llanfair is the town of Builth, its Welsh name being Llanfair-ym-Muallt, or St. Mary's, Builth. Ammobrage is thought by Spelman to be the same with Chevage, a poll-tax paid by villeins to their lord. Jones, the Brecknock historian, gives it a Welsh etymology, and makes it a sort of excise.
The importance of these frontier castles naturally ceased after the settlement of Wales by 3 Edward L, and the Crown no longer cared to retain them. 9 Edward III., Builth Castle was vested in Eubolo le Strange and Alesia his wife, and 14 Edward III. Thomas de Bradestan, Banneret, had " Thlanver " Castle, probably " Blaenlleveny," and the Lordship of Builth.
16 Edward III., 1342-3, Gilbert Talbot, Justiciary of South Wales, was directed to raise levies in the divisions of Builth, Ewias- Lacy, and Ewias-Harold, and similar precepts were issued in 1367.
34 Edward III., 1 360-1, Roger de Mortimer held the castle and cantred of Builth, and 5 Richard II., Edward Earl of March and Philippa his wife held Bewolthe or Beult Castle, as did Earl Roger, their successor, 22 Richard II. On the attainder of the Mortimers the castle fell to the Crown, and so remained till granted away by Charles II., since which it has passed through many hands.
Regard being had to the position of the castle upon an exposed and very dangerous frontier, it is not surprising that its walls and towers were planned with some skill, and executed with great passive strength. But of the works in masonry, scarce a trace now remains above ground, and the site of a fortress which could hold Llewelyn and his armed Welshmen in check, probably for several weeks, is now indicated by heaps of earth of a rather remarkable character, and which, from their position and size, make a feature in the outline of the town from whatever point beheld.
