 The castle passed into royal control, and Edward considered it a useful fortress for protection against the threat from Scotland.Initially it was managed by Robert de Emeldon, a merchant from Newcastle, and protected by a garrison of 40 men at arms and 40 light horsemen.Roger Maduit, a politically rehabilitated former member of Thomas's army, was appointed as constable, followed by Sir John de Lilburn, a Northumberland "schavaldour" in 1323, who was in turn replaced by Roger Heron.