Due to his local knowledge of the Welsh Marches he was an important advisor to Edward I of England during his conquest of Wales. During Edward's first campaign in 1277 he was put in charge of Oswestry Castle, Dinas Bran, Builth and Montgomery Castle - the Welsh inhabitants living near these castles regarded him as a tyrant.
Due to his local insight into the Welsh Marches, he served as a key counselor to Edward I of England during his conquest of Wales. During Edward's initial campaign in 1277, he was entrusted with overseeing Oswestry Castle, Dinas Bran, Builth, and Montgomery Castle - the Welsh residents near these castles viewed him as an oppressor.