The Earl of Pembroke and his Retainers

This chapter examines the structure and development of Aymer de Valence's retinue. Although certainly smaller than that of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the Earl of Pembroke's retinue was probably typical of those of the leading magnates of the period. Much of the evidence for the composition and size of Pembroke's retinue survives in the form of protection lists for those retainers who accompanied him on campaigns, royal diplomatic missions, or private visits abroad. The chapter shows that the size of Pembroke's retinue fluctuated throughout his career and looks at some of the men with whom he had made indentures, including Thomas and Maurice de Berkeley, John Darcy, and an unidentified knight known only as Sir John. It also considers the reasons for the presence of individuals in Pembroke's retinue and suggests that his men regularly shared in the patronage that was available from the Crown.