Series GCA1 - Letters to the Pryse, Loveden and Pughe families

Letters mainly to or by members of the Pryse family of Gogerddan, Edward Loveden Loveden of Buscot Park and occasionally Pughe of Mathafarn, 1586-1867. Most files also contain occasional third party letters and copies of outgoing correspondence. The largest numbers of letters are from the agents, John Pierce of Wallog, Nantcollen and Lodge Park, David Morgan of Gogerddan and Ynyseidiol, John Lewes of Carmarthen and Oliver Lloyd of Cardigan. They discuss mainly the estate administration, financial business, such as mortgages and land purchases, legal affairs and family matters. Their letters reflect the agricultural problems in eighteenth century Cardiganshire, the persecution of tenants by agents of neighbouring estates, the operation of the Cardiganshire silver/lead mines especially Cwmsymlog, local politics and the rivalry between gentry families to secure parliamentary seats and other influential positions. There are numerous references to the Powell family of Nanteos, Vaughan (Lisburne) of Trawsgoed, Lloyd of Mabws, Lloyd and Johnes of Abermad, Lloyd of Peterwell, Johnes of Dolaucothi and Hafod, and Campbell of Stackpole Court, as well as their employees and political supporters. Other subjects include the Pembrokshire collieries, a petition to Parliament to improve Aberystwyth harbour, manorial rights to Nantyrarian, the mortgages to Samuel Wilson Warneford, stock rearing, fox hunting, shooting and fishing. Specific correspondents and topics are described at file level.