Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir John Wynn, 1st Baronet (born in 1553, died March 1, 1627), was an important person in Wales. He was a baronet (a special title, like a knight but passed down), a Member of Parliament (someone who helps make laws), and an antiquary (someone who studies old things).
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Life of Sir John Wynn
Sir John Wynn took over from his father, Morys Wynn ap John, in 1580. He inherited Gwydir Castle in Carnarvonshire, Wales. John went to All Souls College, Oxford university and studied law. He believed he was a direct descendant of the ancient princes of Gwynedd, especially Rhodri ab Owain, son of Owain Gwynedd.
Sir John's Public Roles
Sir John Wynn was a Member of Parliament for his area in 1586. He also served as Sheriff of Caernarvonshire twice and Sheriff of Merionethshire twice. A sheriff was a local official who helped keep law and order. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant and a member of the Council of the Marches of Wales. This council helped govern Wales.
Challenges and Achievements
Sir John was known for getting into many arguments and lawsuits. Some of these legal fights lasted for years, even against his own relatives! Because of this, he was once fined and briefly put in prison in 1615.
In 1606, he became a knight. Then, in 1611, he was given the special title of the first of the Wynn baronets. He was also interested in mining and studying history.
Sir John's Family
Sir John Wynn married Sidney, the daughter of Sir William Gerard, who was an important judge in Ireland. They had 10 sons and 2 daughters. Their oldest son, John, died in Italy in 1614.
Sir John's second son, Richard, became the next baronet after him. His daughter Elizabeth married Sir John Bodvel. Another daughter, Mary, married Sir Roger Mostyn.
Sir John's Writings
Sir John Wynn wrote a famous book called The History of the Gwydir Family. He wrote it to show that his family came from royal ancestors. Someone tried to challenge his claim in court, but Sir John won the case. After that, he was seen as the most important male heir of the House of Gwynedd.
His book was first published in 1770. It is very important because it describes what life was like in North Wales in the 1400s and early 1500s.
Sir John's Legacy
Sir John Wynn did many good things for his community. In Llanrwst, he started a hospital and a school, which is now called Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy.
His family estate, Gwydir, eventually passed to the family of Robert Bertie in the 1600s through marriage. Later, in 1895, Gwydir Castle was sold.
Celebrating Sir John's Work
On May 28, 2010, the town of Llanrwst celebrated a special anniversary. It was 400 years since Sir John Wynn built the almshouses there. These almshouses were homes for twelve poor older men. Today, these rooms show different parts of history.
During this festival, an actor named Sion Rickard played Sir John Wynn. He arrived in Llanrwst by horse and carriage from Gwydir Castle. He answered questions and gave a speech to the people, just like Sir John might have done long ago.
Images for kids
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Sion Rickard acting as Sir John Wynn at the Llanrwst Almshouse Festival in 2010.
