Welsh Journals

PROCEEDINGS IN STAR CHAMBER IN 1615 REGARDING CONNECTIONS OF RICHARD POWELL, ESQ. AND LANDS IN BRILLEY, CLYRO, GLASNANT AND BRYNGWN CONTRIBUTED BY A. D. POWELL The Court of Star Chamber is usually thought of as an instrument of absolute government, but in the 16th and early 17th centuries it was often used by persons who feared undue local influence e.g. by bringing a case before the Council in the Marches. The case reproduced here connects about twenty or thirty persons in family relationship and names at least as many more often giving their ages and addresses. The scene is the Radnor Hereford Border, and the case is an attempt to clear up the affairs of Richard Powell, Esquire, of Brilley, a person of some local eminence who died in 1575. A further suit about his property, which it is hoped to print here at some future date, gives some details regarding his descent. It is notable how often the people concerned were several times married, widows and widowers making two or three unions which connect innumerable families. St. Ch. 8/234/17. (Transcribed by Miss P. W. Shield) To the King &c. Subject Sir Thomas Pennyston of London, Kt. Bart. That Richard Powell Esq.l dec'd was in his life time seised of and in one capital messuage or tenement and divers lands, tenemts &c. in Brilley Co. Herefd., and in Bettus, Clyrowe, Glasnant and Michaelchurch Co. Radnor held in free and common socage, and so seised and having issue Eleanor his sole daughter and heire married to one Thomas Bromwiche2 gent. both since dec'd, made his will and devised the said premises to John Bromwich cozen and next heir of the bodies of said Thomas and Eleanor, and the heirs of the said John Bromwich, with remainder to the D & C of Hereford for one weeke in default of such issue, with remainder to John Powell his son in tail, with other remainders. Said Richard Powell died 40 years past so seised, when said John Bromwich entered the premises and died so seised after whose decease the said John Powell was seised until he conveyed same to Thomas Penniston Esq. or others and their heirs to the use of said Thomas Penniston your Subject's grandfather dec'd and his heirs for ever. Said Thomas Penniston became seised and died 14 years past, when the premises descended to your subject as cozen and next heir to the said Thomas Pennyston the grandfather, viz. as son and heir to Thomas Penniston Esq. dec'd, son and heir of said Thomas P. the grandfather, your subject