The spacious Great Hall was completed, and Ram proudly showed off the intricately carved tables and large impressive hangings from Normandie. Mabelle grew to love the region around the town. A few Normans had settled in the region prior to the conquest. There were mountains, moorlands, farms, wooded river valleys, and quaint villages. Ram explained to her it had come to be known as the Marches, because the Anglo-Saxon word for boundary was mearc. True to his promise, William granted Ram virtual independence and what amounted to kingship over his lands. Marcher lords ruled their lands as they saw fit, unlike other English lords who were directly accountable to the king. Ram could build castles, administer laws, wage wars, establish towns, salvage, claim treasure-trove, plunder and was allowed to fish for royal fish. The King’s plan was to subdue the Welsh without having to do it himself. As the Earl, Ram was often away dealing with Welsh incursions, holding courts which could try all cases except high treason, and administering his territory.
