Sir John Wynn, 5th Baronet
Encyclopedia
Sir John Wynn, 5th Baronet (1628–1719) succeeded his cousin Sir Richard Wynn, 4th Baronet
as a baronet
in 1674 but did not inherit the lands of the Gwydyr Estate
which passed to his predecessor's daughter Mary.
Estate. He had also, allegedly, won the Stanwardine Estate in Shropshire
from Thomas Corbett in a snail race.
became extinct and the ancient House of Aberffraw
(which claimed direct descent from Rhodri Mawr ap Merfyn in the late 9th century and through him to the legendary line of Brutus
) was left without known male issue.
) really been the illegitimate son of John "Wynn" ap Maredudd (as claimed by Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet
in his family history), his children would have been next in line, illegitimate sons having the same rights of inheritance as legitimate ones under ancient Welsh law. There are also several claims that "lost" relatives such as a supposed Colonel Hugh Wynn who is alleged to have moved to Virginia
and raised a family. However, with no clear heir, Sir John bequeathed the entire Wynnstay estate to Jane Thelwall (great-granddaughter of Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet
) who was now married to Sir William Williams, 2nd Baronet
(c. 1665 – 20 October 1740). Sir John Wynn and Sir William Williams were the two largest landowners in north Wales at that time and together the combined estate dwarfed all others. In honour of his wife's ancestry Sir William Williams changed his name to Sir William Williams-Wynn of Wynnstay.
The current baronet is Sir David Watkin Williams-Wynn, 11th Baronet
(b. 1940).
Sir Richard Wynn, 4th Baronet
Sir Richard Wynn, 4th Baronet succeeded his father Sir Owen Wynn, 3rd Baronet at Gwydir in 1660.He was High Sheriff of Caernarvonshire for 1657, Member of the Parliament of England for Caernarvonshire, 1647–53 and 1661–75, and was associated with the municipal government of Denbigh...
as a baronet
Wynn Baronets
There have been two Baronetcies created for persons with the surname Wynn, one in the Baronetage of England and one in the Baronetage of Great Britain. One creation is extant as of 2008....
in 1674 but did not inherit the lands of the Gwydyr Estate
Gwydir Castle
Gwydir Castle is situated in the Conwy valley, North Wales, a mile to the west of the ancient market town of Llanrwst and to the south of the large village of Trefriw...
which passed to his predecessor's daughter Mary.
Inheritance
Sir John had inherited the Watstay Estate through his marriage to Jane Evans (daughter of Eyton Evans of Watstay), which he had renamed the WynnstayWynnstay
Wynnstay was a famous estate in Wales, the family seat of the Wynns. It is located at Ruabon, near Wrexham.During the 17th century, Sir John Wynn, 5th Baronet inherited the Watstay Estate through his marriage to Jane Evans , and renamed it the Wynnstay Estate...
Estate. He had also, allegedly, won the Stanwardine Estate in Shropshire
Shropshire
Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. It borders Wales to the west...
from Thomas Corbett in a snail race.
Later life
Sir John lived into his nineties mainly residing in London but died without issue in 1719. On his death the Wynn baronetcyWynn Baronets
There have been two Baronetcies created for persons with the surname Wynn, one in the Baronetage of England and one in the Baronetage of Great Britain. One creation is extant as of 2008....
became extinct and the ancient House of Aberffraw
House of Gwynedd
The House of Gwynedd is the name given to the old royal house of the Kingdom of Gwynedd. Technically it is divided between the earlier House of Cunedda which lasted from c.420-825 and the later House of Aberffraw beginning in 844. They are so named after the founding king of Gwynedd; Cunedda, and...
(which claimed direct descent from Rhodri Mawr ap Merfyn in the late 9th century and through him to the legendary line of Brutus
Brutus of Troy
Brutus or Brute of Troy is a legendary descendant of the Trojan hero Æneas, known in mediæval British legend as the eponymous founder and first king of Britain...
) was left without known male issue.
Possible Heir and Relatives
Had Thomas Jones (Twm Siôn CatiTwm Siôn Cati
Twm Siôn Cati is a figure in Welsh folklore, often described as the Welsh Wizard.- Background :...
) really been the illegitimate son of John "Wynn" ap Maredudd (as claimed by Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet
Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet
Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet , Welsh baronet, Member of Parliament and antiquary, was the son of Morys Wynn ap John. He claimed to be directly descended from the princes of Gwynedd through Rhodri ab Owain son of Owain Gwynedd. However, this claim is disputed in a publication of 1884 entitled...
in his family history), his children would have been next in line, illegitimate sons having the same rights of inheritance as legitimate ones under ancient Welsh law. There are also several claims that "lost" relatives such as a supposed Colonel Hugh Wynn who is alleged to have moved to Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
and raised a family. However, with no clear heir, Sir John bequeathed the entire Wynnstay estate to Jane Thelwall (great-granddaughter of Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet
Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet
Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet , Welsh baronet, Member of Parliament and antiquary, was the son of Morys Wynn ap John. He claimed to be directly descended from the princes of Gwynedd through Rhodri ab Owain son of Owain Gwynedd. However, this claim is disputed in a publication of 1884 entitled...
) who was now married to Sir William Williams, 2nd Baronet
Sir William Williams, 2nd Baronet, of Gray's Inn
Sir William Williams, 2nd Baronet was a politician in the United Kingdom Great Britain. He was Member of Parliament for Denbigh Boroughs from 1708 to 1710....
(c. 1665 – 20 October 1740). Sir John Wynn and Sir William Williams were the two largest landowners in north Wales at that time and together the combined estate dwarfed all others. In honour of his wife's ancestry Sir William Williams changed his name to Sir William Williams-Wynn of Wynnstay.
The current baronet is Sir David Watkin Williams-Wynn, 11th Baronet
Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 11th Baronet
Sir David Watkin Williams-Wynn, 11th Baronet of Bodelwyddan in the County of Flint , and of Gray's Inn in the county of Middlesex , is a member of the surviving Welsh nobility and is the closest known living heir of the Princely House of Aberffraw, the former ruling family of Gwynedd and the...
(b. 1940).