William served King Henry V of England during his first French campaign and in numerous subsequent capacities and was knighted in 1426.

In 1400 Thomas and his wife Maud inherited Llansantffraed Court, the country seat and estate of Sir John Morley.

[5][6] The second earl of the tenth creation quartered the ancient royal arms of Gwent in the 1620 heraldic Visitation, which supports this claim.

[11] Gwladys and her husband William ap Thomas were patrons of Abergavenny Priory where they were both buried; their alabaster tomb and effigies can still be seen in the church of St Mary's.

[18] William married secondly heiress Gwladys ferch Dafydd Gam (died 1454[11]), described by Welsh poet Lewys Glyn Cothi as 'The Star of Abergavenny' for her beauty.

All three men had been part of the Welsh contingent that fought with King Henry V of England in France, including the Battle of Agincourt.

Improvements by father and son included the twin-towered gatehouse, five storied Great Tower encircled by a moat, a self-contained fortress in its own right, South Gate, Pitched Stone Court, drawbridge and portcullis.