Robert Wynn (MP) facts for kids
Robert Wynn (who died in 1598) was an important person from Wales. He was known for building a famous house called Plas Mawr in the town of Conwy. When he was younger, people knew him as Robert Gwyn.
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Robert Wynn's Early Life
Robert Wynn came from a wealthy family in Wales. He was the third son of John "Wynn" ap Maredudd. When he was young, Robert started working for important people. He worked for Sir Walter Stonor and then Sir Philip Hoby. Both of these men were senior officials for King Henry VIII.
Military Service and Travels
Robert Wynn was also a soldier. He fought in a big battle called the Siege of Boulogne in 1544, where he was injured. He also joined the King's army in campaigns against Scotland. Robert traveled a lot across Europe, seeing many different places.
Building Plas Mawr
Robert started buying land all over North Wales. In 1570, he married his first wife, Dorothy Griffith. She was also from an important local family. Robert needed a grand house for his family. He chose the town of Conwy because it was a rich and friendly place in the 1500s. He built his famous house, Plas Mawr, in Conwy. Construction of Plas Mawr took place between 1576 and 1585.
Rising in Society
By the 1570s, Robert Wynn became more and more important in his local area. He became a justice of the peace, which meant he helped keep law and order. In 1589, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Caernarvonshire. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He was also the county sheriff in 1590 and 1591.
Dorothy, his first wife, passed away in 1586. They did not have any children. In 1588, Robert married again to Dorothy Dymock. They had seven children together in just six years: Katherine, John, Margaret, Elen, Sydney, Thomas, and Mary. Robert's money also grew a lot. His income doubled from about £110 a year in the 1570s to around £220 in the 1590s. A writer named John Wynn said that Robert Wynn kept a "worthy plentiful house." This means he had a very welcoming and generous home.
Robert Wynn's Death
Robert Wynn died in 1598. He was buried near the altar of the Church of St Mary & All Saints, Conwy. He had given money to this church during his life.
His Will and Family
Before he died, Robert wrote a will. A will is a document that says what should happen to a person's money and property after they pass away. Robert wanted to make sure his wife was taken care of. He also wanted to help his daughters and youngest son get married successfully. He planned for money from his estates to be saved up over time. Sir Roger Mostyn was in charge of making sure Robert's wishes were followed. However, there were disagreements about the will. This led to a long legal case that was not finished until 1630.
