Welsh Journals

county elections, was hardly welcomed. And so it was for the Wynns, although in Merionethshire at least their connections, founded on marriage and friendship, paid electoral dividends. Henry Wynn, a younger son of Sir John, had married the daughter of Ellis Lloyd of Rhiwgoch, Merioneth's M.P. in 1614. That link was, it seems, the key to Henry's electoral success. In late-1623, Sir Richard Wynn urged his father to press for Henry's return for Merioneth 'if his father in law please'. His choice would bring Sir John 'a great deal of honor', especially 'if it may be done, without charge, or competition'. Henry had strong backing: the Herberts had pledged their support but, more significantly, 'the shrieve shall do what you please'. The combination of the Wynns, Ellis Lloyd, the Herberts and the sheriff was enough; there was no contest and Henry Wynn was chosen for the county.62 He repeated his success in the election of 1625. Early in April, Sir John gained the backing of an influential squire, John Salusbury of Rug, for Henry's election. Salusbury, who had already promised his support to 'my cousin Hugh Nanney & William Vaughan', suggested that Wynn write to them although, since they customarily followed Salusbury's lead, he was confident they would back Henry Wynn for the place. There was, however, one qualification: Henry must serve himself or else 'they desire to be freed from their promise'. The promise was given and Merioneth's elite, thanks to Sir John Wynn's negotiations, saw to Henry's return.0 The Wynns tried again in 1626 but to no avail. Sir John was urged to 'use what means you may behoove' in Henry's cause, but the election was so hotly contested that news 'of great bustling in Merionethshire' even reached London. Owen Wynn pinned some of the blame on his cousin, Robert Lloyd, but beyond that nothing survives to tell the tale of Henry's defeat in 1626. He would, however, serve again for Merioneth in the spring of 1640.64 The Wynns, then, were involved in four of Merioneth's early-Stuart elections. Beyond Merioneth, where Henry Wynn's marriage connection was un- doubtedly of value, their influence practically disappears. Anglesey's elections were the property of the Bulkeley family, and it is likely that it was only through the consent of Richard Sir Richard Wynn to Sir John Wynn, 24 December 1623, N.L.W., Wynn MSS. 1177 (MS.9058E); Sir Richard Wynn to Henry Wynn, 31 January 1624, N.L.W., Wynn MSS. 1190 (MS.9059E). n William Salusbury to Sir John Wynn, 4 April 1625, Edward Wynn to Sir John Wynn, 15 April 1625, Sir Roger Mostyn to Sir John Wynn, 15 April 1625, N.L.W., Wynn MSS. 1312, 1323, 1324 (MS.9060E). William Wynn to Sir John Wynn, 7 December 1625, N.L.W., Wynn MSS. 1380 (MS.9060E); Owen Wynn to Sir John Wynn, 9 February 1626, N.L.W., Wynn MSS. 1389 (MS.9061E).