Oct 18th 2025: To grant a Knights' fees

The de Lacy barons had the power to grant Knights' fees and used them to reward de Lacy family members who had loyally served them since 1069. The early de Lacys of Limerick were de Lacy Knights. These are the Royal terms to be met to grant this privilege. Knight's fee. A King or feudal Anglo-Norman overlord with sufficient status and landholding within England or Ireland had the right to grant the title 'Sir' and a knight's fee in perpetuity. The size of the rent-free fee required acreage that is able to produce a good crop or revenue, depending on its location, the richness of its soil, and the local climate, as well as the presence of other exploitable resources such as fish-weirs, rock quarries, or mineral mines. If a knight's fee includes a manor, the average size would be between 1,000 and 5,000 acres. However, upon granting, it may also contain forest and yet-to-be-developed moorland, as well as the title, Sir, and be regarded as Squire. Ho often served as the local magistrate. In return, the Knight paid homage and fealty, giving a vow of loyalty to his overlord, either by offering a significant internal role or, in most cases, military service. A knight was required to maintain the dignity of knighthood, which meant that he should live in suitable style and be well-turned out in battle, with the necessary number of esquires and retainers to serve him and his horses. All the de Lacy barons granted many Knights' Fees throughout England and Ireland. Most were given to loyal de Lacy cousins. They became the eyes, ears and caretakers for de Lacy interests away from the castles.