Edmund Crouchback passed on the castle to his eldest son, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, in 1298.[70] Lancaster married Alice de Lacy, which made him the richest nobleman in England.[71] Kenilworth became the primary castle of the Lancaster estates, replacing Bolingbroke, and acted as both a social and a financial centre for Thomas.[71] Thomas built the first great hall at the castle from 1314 to 1317 and constructed the Water Tower along the outer bailey, as well as increasing the size of the chase.[72] Lancaster, with support from many of the other English barons, found himself in increasing opposition to Edward II.[70] War broke out in 1322, and Lancaster was captured at the Battle of Boroughbridge and executed.[70] His estates, including Kenilworth, were confiscated by the crown.[71] Edward and his wife, Isabella of France, spent Christmas 1323 at Kenilworth, amidst major celebrations.[73]