ten o'clock at night
The next morning the force mounted , at daybreak . It consisted of two hundred horse , that the earl had brought with him ; and which was to be joined , at Chirk , by a hundred and fifty of Lord Grey 's men from Ruthyn , orders having been already sent on for them to hold themselves in readiness . This was to be done quietly , and without stir , as word would be sure to be sent to Glendower , were it to be known in the town that preparations had been made for an expedition . They were to start from the castle at ten o'clock at night , when the town would be wrapped in sleep , and would arrive at Chirk before daybreak . On arriving at the castle , it was found that the troops from Ruthyn had duly come in . They were received by the seneschal of William Beauchamp , Lord of Abergavenny . Chirk Castle had passed through many hands , having been several times granted to royal favourites ; being a fine building , standing on a lofty eminence , which afforded a view of no less than seventeen counties .