Papers of Glynnes and Wynnes, Glynllifon

This collection contains agreements, letters and declarations relating to marriage settlements and property transactions carried out by the Glynnes (Glyn) and Wynnes (Wynn) of Glynllifon and John Glynne (fl. 1644-1669) in particular.

It also contains two poems, the first by Robert Williamson, A Welsh Ode on the Birth of the Honourable Heir of Glynllivon, on the birth of Thomas John Wynn (1840-1878), and a poem by Margaret Wynne Jones of Treiorwerth, Bodedern Anglesey to "Mr Wynn", dated 1929.

There is also material, including pedigrees, press cuttings and correspondence (some in Italian) between Ellen Glynn Wynn and others in 1895-1896, relating to Maria Stella Petronilla, second wife of Sir Thomas Wynn, the first baron Newborough.

The Glynne (also Glyn) family of Glynllifon, Caernarfonshire (now Gwynedd) are reputedly descended from Cilmin Droed-ddu, founder of the fourth noble tribe of Gwynedd who arrived from Cumbria in the 9th century. Sir William Glyn (d. 1620) knighted for military services in 1606, married Jane Griffith of Cefnamwlch and with her had six sons and five daughters. His successor at Glynllifon was Thomas Glyn (d. 1648) who was three times MP for Caernarfonshire. During the conflict between crown and parliament, he supported the parliamentary side and was governor of Caernarfon castle after its surrender in 1646. His brother John (1602-1666), known as "John Glynne the Sergeant" was recorder of London and later became Lord Chief Justice. He was prominently involved in the proceedings of the Long Parliament, but won the favour of Charles II after the Restoration and was made a baronet in 1662. Another brother Edmund Glynne (b. 1615) actively supported the commonwealth and served as Justice of the Peace, before and after the Restoration.

Thomas Glyn was succeeded at Glynllifon by his son John Glynne (fl. 1644-1669) who married Elizabeth Owen of Orielton; they had two daughters Frances and Ellen. Frances Glynne married Thomas Wynn of Boduan (1678-1749), ca. 1700 and the surname Glynne was lost. Thomas Wynn was made a baronet in 1742 and his grandson Sir Thomas Wynn (1736-1807) became the first Lord Newborough in 1776. Sir Thomas Wynn's second wife was Maria Stella Petronilla who claimed to be the daughter of Louis Philippe, who was Duke of Orleans and afterwards King of France. She died in Paris in 1843. Their granddaughter Ellen Glynn Wynn (b. 1839) who features in this collection was the daughter of Spencer Bulkeley Wynn (1803-1888) third baron Newborough. His brother Thomas John Wynn (b. 1802) was MP for Caernarfonshire and the second Lord Newborough.

Material is arranged in chronological order and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts .

Open to all users

Deposited by Mr W.J. Elliss of the Ship Hotel, Aberdaron, Gwynedd.

Description compiled by Anne Lenaghan, November 2001.

Item level word-processed list is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales, Bangor. Reference numbers: General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts: 8490-8510

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics are made at the discretion of the Archivist.

Newborough Papers are held at Gwynedd Archives, Caernarfon.