Llangynllo Parochial Records

(R/EP/2)

Survival of parochial records from the seventeenth century in Wales are particularly rare. Powys Archives holds churchwardens’ and overseers’ records surviving from 1693 through to the nineteenth century, in an unbroken series for the parish of Llangynllo.   

Deemed of national importance because of their rarity the collection has been conserved with assistance from the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust.

The collection of eight volumes include: churchwardens’ accounts 1693-1871; overseers’ accounts 1693-1837 (including payments to the poor 1751-1835) and assessments for poor rates 1802-1837.

The Churchwarden’s accounts detail ecclesiastical work with regard to the maintenance, cleaning and decoration of the parish church.  Also the execution of civil responsibilities, which may have included the relief of vagrants, the destruction of troublesome birds and animals, and sometimes the administration of local charities. 

The Llangynllo churchwardens’ accounts record in 1693 monies paid for “destroyeing the wild catt”

In 1716 the churchwarden makes a record of payment to “two men of Barbadus” – probably brought to Britain as a result of the Slave Trade. 

In essence these volumes represent a rare opportunity to study an extended period in parochial history, through a period of great change. They are representative of records which would have been common across Wales, but in many cases have since been lost.