Cyfres EH2. - Agents’ correspondence (main series),

Bundles of correspondence filed by the Wynnstay agents, Samuel Sidebotham, 1777-1789, and William Parry Richards, 1808-1813. Two of the files consist exclusively of letters from Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, 4th Bart., and his wife, Lady Charlotte, 1783-1789. Other regular correspondents include Francis Chambre and Jonathan Barff of Oswestry, John Evans of Llwynygroes, and Edward Jones [?steward] of St James’s Square. The letters concern routine administration of the estate and household, the private life of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, coal mining enterprises in Wrexham, Ruabon, Gwersyllt, Rhosllanerchrugog and Trefarclawdd, possession of the small tithes of Wrexham, the living of Llanuwchllyn, a new church gallery and staircase by [?George] Wilkinson, appeals for charity or personal assistance, the Denbighshire election, 1784, and political, social and local news. Many of the letters reflect the personal interests of the fourth baronet, describing the landscaping and improvements at Wynnstay by John Evans, [?John] Midgley, [George] Wilkinson and James Wyatt; the Handel commemoration in 1784, subsequent concerts in Westminster Abbey, and the baronet’s increasing financial difficulties. The file of later letters, 1808-1813, shows the 5th baronet’s more systematic approach to financial affairs and the practical management of the estates, mainly in Denbighshire, Montgomeryshire and Bala.