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GLYN (also GLYNNE), family of Glynllifon, Caernarfonshire

Traditionally the family was derived from Cilmin Droed-ddu, who settled in the place after his flight from his native Cumbria in the 9th century, and historically from Tudur Goch who for war services under Edward III obtained a grant of escheat lands in Nantlle. By his marriage with Morfudd, another descendant of Cilmin, he obtained Glynllifon, which became the chief seat of his descendants. HWLKIN LLOYD, Tudur's son, held the town of Caernarvon for the king under William de Tranmere in 1403, and died the following year. MEREDYDD LLOYD, his son, was bailiff of Uwch Gwyrfai in 1413-15, and accompanied some forces sent to protect Guernsey in 1456. The next heir, ROBERT AP MEREDYDD [died c. 1509 ] was twice married, each wife being a member of English families who administered Gwynedd for the English kings. The first wife was Ellen Bulkeley of Beaumaris, and by her Robert had six sons and four daughters. Two of these sons were prominent clerics in the early Tudor period - MORUS GLYN, LL.D., died 1525, was archdeacon of Merioneth, and WILLIAM GLYN, LL.D., died 1557, archdeacon of Anglesey. Robert ap Meredydd's second wife was Jane Puleston of Caernarvon, and the issue of their marriage was known as WILLIAM GLYNNE the Sergeant of Arms, temp. Hy. VIII, whose son WILLIAM GLYNNE fl. 1588, married Lowry, the heiress of Lleuar, and founded the house of the Glynne family of Lleuar. Upon the death of Robert ap Meredydd his estates were divided between two of his sons: EDMUND LLOYD obtained Glynllifon, and RICHARD AP ROBERT, died 1539, got Plas Newydd and Nantlle. Richard became the head of the family known as Glynn of Plas Newydd and Nantlle. Edmund Lloyd was sheriff of Caernarvonshire, but he died during his year of office (1541). He was succeeded at Glynllifon by his son William who became known as WILLIAM GLYNLLIFON. He took a leading part in the affairs of his county, and attained to a prominent position amongst his fellow men. Though not a member of the bardic craft, he was a bard of repute, and served as one of the commissioners in the 1568 Caerwys eisteddfod. He was three times married, and died in 1594; he was buried at Clynnog. THOMAS GLYN [ fl. 1585 ], his son and heir, did not attain the eminence of his father, but he too was included amongst the bards of his days; another son, RICHARD, died 1617, rector of Llanfaethlu, was the ancestor of the Glyn family of Ewell, Surrey, bankers. Thomas's son, Sir WILLIAM GLYN (knighted in Dublin in 1606 for military services in Ireland) was highly esteemed in the county, and was reckoned a man of high honour and integrity. He married Jane, the daughter of John Griffith of Cefnamwlch, and by her he had six sons and five daughters; he died in 1620. His successor at Glynllifon was THOMAS GLYN (three times M.P. for Caernarvonshire). In the conflict between the Crown and Parliament he sided with the parliamentary party [but see the appended note], and was governor of Caernarvon castle after its surrender in 1646. He died in 1648. His brother JOHN [ 1602 - 1666 ], known as John Glynne the Sergeant,' was recorder of London and later Lord Chief Justice, and took a prominent part in the proceedings of the Long Parliament, but after the Restoration he won the favour of Charles II who made him a baronet in 1662 [see Glynne of Hawarden family ]. Sir John Glynne died in 1666. His brother, EDMUND GLYNNE Born 1615, was active in the support of the commonwealth, and as J.P. served his county well before and after the Restoration. Thomas Glyn was succeeded at Glynllifon by his son JOHN GLYNNE (fl. 1644-69), who married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Hugh Owen of Orielton. There were two daughters of the marriage, FRANCES GLYNNE, and ELLEN GLYNNE died 1711. The former married c. 1700 THOMAS WYNN of Boduan [ 1678 - 1749 ] [see Wynn of Rug family ], and the surname Glynne was thus lost. Thomas Wynn became a baronet [ 1742 ], and his grandson Sir Thomas Wynn [ 1736 - 1807 ] became the first lord Newborough in 1776.

Thomas Glyn was a Commissioner of Array (with the rank of colonel) for Charles I till 1646 when he deserted to the parliamentary side with Sir William Williams, Vaenol. But during 1642-3 he did try to prevent the Commission from being put into effect, and drew down rebukes on the county from Charles I.

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Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/

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