King of England :
Henry I 1100-35
Background information :
A conflict of succession occured after the death of William Rufus in a hunting accident (or possibly an assasination) in 1100. The Throne was siezed by his younger brother Henry but not without trouble from Robert, Duke of Normandy, the eldest brother who, in 1100 was away on a Crusade. Roberts claim to the English Throne was finally defeated at the battle of Tinchebrai, Normandy in 1106 and from then until his death he was held captive in Cardiff. Meanwhile the lands around Radnor became Crown territory after the heirless death of Hugh L'Asne and was subsequently given to William Braose, Lord of Buellt (Builth). Hughs other holdings around Knighton and Norton were passed to the Chandos family.

In recognition of military service for the King a small barony was created around Kington for a knight called Adam Port. There is some speculation as to whether Ralph Mortimer(I) died around this time and was succeeded by a son of the same name, or whether he survived on to c.1137 when Hugh Mortimer is known to have held the Lordship and estates or 'honour' of Wigmore. If the latter is correct it would mean that Ralph lived on well past his 80's - possible although somewhat dubious for the times. Around the main castles like Wigmore, New Radnor and Kington small defended towns or 'boroughs' developed to service the needs of the garrison. Their grid-like street plans can still be traced.