So, what happens to the various Crown manors, castles, and other incomes during the period between Uther and Arthur? ???

My opinion on the matter is that the castellans or stewards end up swearing fealty to the local count or other authority perhaps after a year or two of holding out. The income from these lands (or control that the castles give) is simply too valuable to the local lords in that time period for them to be left there accumulating wealth for the currently vacant King of Logres. With Arthur's ascent to the throne they are given back with varying degrees of willingness depending on the greed and/or loyalty of the lord in question.

So, what happens to the various Crown manors, castles, and other incomes during the period between Uther and Arthur? ???

I am workign to prepare for that right now


My opinion on the matter is that the castellans or stewards end up swearing fealty to the local count or other authority perhaps after a year or two of holding out. The income from these lands (or control that the castles give) is simply too valuable to the local lords in that time period for them to be left there accumulating wealth for the currently vacant King of Logres. With Arthur's ascent to the throne they are given back with varying degrees of willingness depending on the greed and/or loyalty of the lord in question.

In my game it is every man for himself
some of the castellans are in a stronger position than the counts or barons
but most of the castellans were Uther's favorites, and are dead

One might also consider the state of castle building during the Anarchy. Under a strong king, one would probably need a license to crenalate in most areas (not the Marches). During the anarchy presumable you would castle build if you could get away with it...

NT

One might also consider the state of castle building during the Anarchy. Under a strong king, one would probably need a license to crenalate in most areas (not the Marches). During the anarchy presumable you would castle build if you could get away with it...


In fact, anyone who is capable builds a castle when Uther dies heirless

Which makes the Anarchy Period sound all the more like the "Pendragon" counterpart of the time of Stephen and Matilda (at least, as it was popularly imagined, though I know some historians now think that the hardships of that time were exaggerated).

I imagine that one of Arthur's early acts (at least, once he's put down enough of the rebellions to have time for it) will be to have all the nobles who built castles without a license to tear them down (like Henry II).

Which makes the Anarchy Period sound all the more like the "Pendragon" counterpart of the time of Stephen and Matilda (at least, as it was popularly imagined, though I know some historians now think that the hardships of that time were exaggerated).

Not an accident


I imagine that one of Arthur's early acts (at least, once he's put down enough of the rebellions to have time for it) will be to have all the nobles who built castles without a license to tear them down (like Henry II).

Yes
and also to start sorting out who unjustly seized land

Yes
and also to start sorting out who unjustly seized land


Which does indeed happen in Malory, in this passage between the Sword in the Stone and the first battle with King Lot (taken from page 10 of the one-volume Vinaver edition, with modernized spelling):

"And many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs that were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that ought [presumably owned] them."