Famous People

Williams Wynn Family

The Williams Wynn family gained the estate in 1718 and the then Sir William Williams of Llanforda, second baronet added the surname Wynn on inheriting the estate from Sir John Wynn of Gwydir. The Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, third baronet was MP for Denbighshire 1716-1741. He was one of the chief supporters of the Jacobite cause in North Wales. He died as a result of a fall from his horse while hunting in Acton Park. He was succeeded by his son Sir Watkin Williams Wynn , fourth baronet in 1749. Again Sir Watkin was MP for Denbighshire from 1774-1789.

He is chiefly remembered as a patron of fine arts. Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, fifth baronet was born in 1772 and died in 1840. He inherited the Wynnstay estate in 1789 aged the age of 17. He was MP for Denbighshire from 1796-1840 and Lord Lieutenant of Merionethshire and Denbighshire. He was more interested in military matters than politics. He raised a cavalry regiment in 1794 called the Ancient British Fencibles which took part in the suppression of the Irish rebellion. He was followed by his son, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, sixth baronet who was born in 1820 and died in 1885.

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