the decade, he erected his main stronghold in the ancient family estate, Gímes Castle (today Gýmeš, ruins near Jelenec, Slovakia). It became one of the most important forts in the westernmost part of Upper Hungary. Since the 1250s, Andrew gradually expanded the Gímes lordship with acquiring the surrounding villages and accessories (forests, meadows etc.). He bought portions in Szencse (Podhájska), Kishind (Malé Chyndice), Nagyhind (Veľké Chyndice), Barc, Vásárfalu (today part of Komjatice) and Belad (Beladice). In addition to the royal donations, he also bought several portions in the aforementioned villages in order to expand his coherent lordship. His brother-in-law Demetrius Nánabeszter bequeathed the land Teremecs (present-day Chrenová, a borough of Nitra in Slovakia) to Andrew in his last will and testament. Andrew Hont-Pázmány served as count of tárnoks (royal financial officials) from around 1249 to 1256. Former historiography incorrectly claimed that he held the dignity of Master of the treasury. As a royal bailiff (pristaldus), Andrew inducted the provostry of Turóc to the ownership of royally donated lands in Nyitra County in 1252. The provostry was established by Béla IV in the previous year. With the title of magister, Andrew was tutor of King Béla IV's younger son, the approximately seven-year-old Duke Béla in 1256. Andrew was styled as ispán of Bánya (Árkibánya) ispánate on several occasions in the upcoming decaded (1258, 1262–1273, 1274, 1275), which laid as a border castle region in the territory of Nyitra County. During the civil war (1264–1265) between Béla IV and his son junior king Stephen, Andrew remained a partisan of the elderly monarch, but also tried to balance between the two parties, because he maintained good relationship with the entire Árpád dynasty. However, when Béla's daughter Duchess Anna and the royal general Henry Kőszegi occupied the fort of Patak (ruin near Sátoraljaújhely) and captured Stephen's wife, Elizabeth the Cuman and children, including the future Ladislaus IV in August 1264, Andrew sank into a delicate position. Stephen's family – Queen Elizabeth, their son and four daughters – were transferred to Turóc Castle under the guard of Andrew upon the order of Duchess Anna who most fervently opposed his brother's aspirations. Considering Duke Stephen's future plausible ascension to the Hungarian throne, Andrew did not keep his family under strict custody. For instance, he borrowed 100 silver marks to Elizabeth during her captivity and allowed the duke's courier Emeric Nádasd to inform Stephen in the shortest