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9. The small number of the Peerage & consequently the great extent of their possessions very much contributed to render them even Rivals to their Princes, add to this their frequent intermarriages which as it introduc'd consanguinity between them made numbers of them look upon the King's quarrelling with any particular Baron as a common Cause; many who had no tyes of blood us'd also to take part on account of leagues of Mutual defence which they us'd to make even in times of peace.

The frequent Wars with England assisted to make the Nobles formidable, particulary those in the Southern parts of the Kingdom, their Vassals being ever forc'd to fight, & consequently having obtain'd the knowledge of War, the King's found those Chiefs in particular very impraticable; whoever could secure these borderers in the domestic broils were sure of success.