 Among the Ordainers considered loyal to Edward II was John of Brittany , Earl of Richmond who was also by this time one of the older remaining earls . John had served Edward I , his uncle , and was Edward II 's first cousin . The natural leader of the group was Henry Lacy , Earl of Lincoln . One of the wealthiest men in the country , he was also the oldest of the earls and had proved his loyalty and ableness through long service to Edward I. Lincoln had a moderating influence on the more extreme members of the group , but with his death in February 1311 , leadership passed to his son @-@ in @-@ law and heir Thomas of Lancaster . Lancaster – the king ’ s cousin – was now in possession of five earldoms which made him by far the wealthiest man in the country , save the king . There is no evidence that Lancaster was in opposition to the king in the early years of the king 's reign , but by the time of the Ordinances it is clear that something had negatively affected his opinion of King Edward . 
