These men were valuable to the king for their ability to raise large numbers of troops from their dominions in the Welsh Marches. On 23 June 1314, the royal army had passed Falkirk and was within a few miles of Stirling. There were, however, signs of strife between the earls of Gloucester and Hereford.
The men were crucial to the king because they could recruit substantial forces from their lands in the Welsh Marches. On June 23, 1314, the royal army had passed Falkirk and was close to Stirling. However, there were signs of discord between the earls of Gloucester and Hereford.