User:Jnestorius/Contributory boroughs

A contributory borough or out-borough was an ancient borough in Wales which contributed to the election of the member of Parliament representing the parliamentary borough of the county town of the Welsh county in which the contributory borough was situated.

The Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542 established this practice, although the wording was vague enough for disputes and uncertainty to persist, resolved by further statutes or by decisions of the House of Commons itself rather than the courts of law. Changes to the contributory boroughs were made by the Reform Act 1832, Reform Act 1867, and Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, and the Representation of the People Act 1918. The last was abolished by the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949.

Prior to Reform Act
The House of Commons of England included members (MPs) representing certain ancient boroughs. Such boroughs were called "parliamentary boroughs" and the MPs "burgesses" (or "citizens" if the borough had city status). Most boroughs sent two MPs. Three boroughs in Wales (Beaumaris, Carnarvon, and Conway) each sent two English burgesses to Westminster for the Parliament of 1327, but the writs were deliberately sent too late for them to arrive in time to attend. There were no Welsh boroughs summoned in other English Parliaments before 1542.

The Laws in Wales Act 1535 (26 Hen. VIII, c. 26), which annexed Wales to the Kingdom of England, provided for a single parliamentary burgess to represent the county towns all but one of the Welsh counties including Monmouthshire. The exception was Merionethshire, poor and small, whose three ancient boroughs of Dolgellau, Bala and Harlech had dwindled to small villages. Less representation than England (1 instead of 2 MPs per shie and borough) for economimc considerations.

The 1535 act required the other ancient boroughs in the county to contribute to the pay and expenses of the county town's MP, but was silent on whether these "contributory boroughs" also had a say in selecting the MP. The only election under the original scheme was for the 1542 Parliament. Welsh borough MPs complained that contributory boroughs, which had not participated in the 1542 election, were refusing to pay their share of expenses. The Laws in Wales Act 1542 clarified that contributory boroughs could take part in the election. The 1542 act also enfranchised Haverfordwest separately from Pembroke "in all probability ... to compensate for the exclusion of the Merioneth boroughs".

"willingness to contribute to the members ' wages no doubt determined what persons were entitled to vote, and which boroughs were to participate in the elections."

"[The 1543 act] occurred at a time when, in general, payment of members' wages was ceasing and this makes the identification of the contributory boroughs a complex problem."

The original scheme was modified by later legislation and decisions of the House of Commons, which were sometimes made for partisan reasons without regard to precedent or evidence.

Franchise was forty-shilling freehold, which made the electorate relatively large and difficult to control. Wages were already dying out by 1543 and "probably never, as a general rule" claimd by Welsh MPs.

Votes of all electors in the all the boroughs in the county were directly aggregated to determine the MP. This contrasts with the Scottish district of burghs seats created by the Acts of Union 1707, in which each burgh elected one delegate and the delegates elected the MP. Most boroughs were scot-and-lot of freeman. It often happened that one contributory borough created many freemen shortly before an election, whose votes then swamped those of the other, perhaps larger, boroghs in the district. Rival patrons of pocket boroughs in the same district might engage in an "arms race" of freeman creation, or might agree a pact to obviate such disreputable conduct. Electors travelled to a single venue to vote, which was usually the county town; candidates from faraway boroughs were thus at a disadvantage. For Cardiff the election was in Bridgend, which was not a contributory borough but was conveniently central in Glamorgan.

JHC indexes
Check JHC indexes sv "Elections - controverted" vols. See also
 * Index vv.8-11 "Elections - controverted" Analysis Start Right of Election Determined pp.349-354 inc Monmouth 1680, Montgomery 1685, Pembroke 1621, [New] Radnor 1690.
 * Index v18-34 1714-74 Elections XXV right of election 655 Beaumaris, 661 Carm, 663 Card, 667 Den, 671 Fli, 681 Mont,
 * Index v35-55 1774-1800 Elections II Petitions (by constituency) 99 Card 106 Carm 108 Carn 206-7 Rad; IV 381 New Rad bailiffs re contrib bs; VIII (1) right of election no Welsh
 * Index v56-75 1801-20 Elections VIII (1) right of election no Welsh


 * 2 Brecon Borough 6 Jan 1640/1
 * Resolved, upon the Question, That Mr. Herbet Price, returned as a Burgess for the Borough of Brecon, shall sit here, as a Member, till his Election be avoided.
 * Resolved, upon the Question, That Mr. Robert Williams shall not sit, as a Member of this House, for the said Borough of Brecon, till his Election be decided.
 * 3 Monmouth
 * 22 Jan 1643/4 Ordered, That the Committee for Privileges do consider of the Election of Mr. Watkins of Ludlow, and Sir Tho. Trevor for Monmouth; and report the same to the House.
 * 29 Nov 1644
 * Sir Robert Harley reports from the Committee of Privileges, the Case of the Election of Sir Tho. Trevor (then Mr. Trevor), and Mr. Wm. Watkins, to serve as Burgesses for the Town of Monmouth * * * *.
 * Resolved, &c. That Sir Tho. Trevor is not well elected to serve as a Burgess for the Town of Monmouth.
 * Resolved, &c. That the whole Election of Burgesses to serve for the Town of Monmouth is void.
 * 5 none
 * 6 none
 * 7 Carmarthen Borough 1658/9 Carmarthen Town, Election; Report to be considered; Sheriff's Petition to be read at the same Time, 10 Mar. Report and Petition read; Return to be amended; Sheriff ordered into Custody. Vide Privileges.
 * 10 Mar 1658/9
 * Mr. John Goodwyn reports from the Committee for Elections and Privileges, the State of the Case, concerning the Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen.
 * The humble Petition of John Vaughan and Griffith David, Sheriffs of the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen, concerning the aforesaid Election, was also delivered in, and presented to the House: And . . is thereupon
 * Ordered, That Monday next be appointed, for this House to take into Consideration the Report of the State of the Case, concerning the Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and County Borough of Carmarthen: And that the Petition of the Sheriffs of the said Town and County-Borough, now presented to the House, be read at the same time
 * 22 Mar 1658/9
 * The Order of Thursday, the Tenth Day of this instant March, concerning the Report of the State of the Case concerning the Election of Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and County Borough of Carmarthen; and the Petition of the Sheriffs of the said Town and County; were read.
 * The Report from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, concerning the said Election; and also the Petition of John Vaughan and Griffith David, Sheriffs of the said Town and County-Borough; were likewise read.
 * The Case, upon the Report concerning the Election was; viz.
 * THAT David Morgan Esquire was elected and chosen a Burgess to serve in Parliament for the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen by One hundred and Eight Voters, who had Right in the said Election: That Rowland Dawkins Esquire, who stood to be Burgess for the said Town and County-Borough, had not above Twenty Voices: That nevertheless, John Vaughan Esquire, and Griffith David Gentleman, Sheriffs of the said Town and County-Borough, returned the said Rowland Dawkins, as duly elected Burgess to serve in Parliament for the said Town and County-Borough: And that it was the Opinion of the said Committee, That the said David Morgan is rightfully elected Burgess to serve in Parliament for the said Town and County Borough of Carmarthen; and ought to sit in the House: That the Indenture, by which the said Rowland Dawkins is returned Burgess to serve in Parliament for the said Town and County-Borough, ought to be taken off the File, and withdrawn: That the Sheriffs return the right Indenture, by which the said David Morgan is chosen into the Office of the Commonwealth in Chancery: That the Misdemeanor and Offence of the said Sheriffs, in making such a false Return, is a great Misdemeanor and Offence: And that the said Sheriffs be sent for, in Custody, by the Serjeant at Arms attending the House.
 * The said John Vaughan and Griffith David, Sheriffs of the Town and County-Borough aforesaid, petitioned for Leave to attend the Committee of Privileges, to make good their Return; as not doubting but to make it appear to be such a Return as is warranted by Law; at least such as will deserve to be excused from any Censure.
 * Resolved, &c. That this House doth agree with the Committee of Privileges and Elections, That David Morgan Esquire is rightfully elected Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen; and ought to sit in the House.
 * Resolved, &c. That the Indenture, by which Rowland Dawkins Esquire is returned Burgess to serve in this present Parliament for the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen, be taken off the File and withdrawn.
 * Resolved, &c. That John Vaughan and Griffith David, Sheriffs of the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen, do forthwith return the Indenture, by which David Morgan Esquire is chosen to serve Burgess in this present Parliament for the said Town and County-Borough, into the Office of the Clerk of the Commonwealth in Chancery.
 * Resolved, &c. That the Misdemeanor and Offence of John Vaughan and Griffith David, Sheriffs of the Town and County-Borough of Carmarthen, in making a false Return of Rowland Dawkins Esquire to serve Burgess in this present Parliament for the said Town and CountyBorough, is a great Misdemeanor and Offence: And that the said John Vaughan and Griffith David be, for the said Misdemeanor and Offence, sent for, in Custody, by the Serjeant at Arms attending on this House: And that Mr. Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Serjeant at Arms for the Taking of the said Sheriffs into his Custody; and to bring them to answer their said Misdemeanor and Offence at the Bar of this House, accordingly.
 * 8 1660 Cardiffe Haverford-west Montgomery; 1661-2 Brecon Cardiffe, Cardigan Haverford-west Montgomery Radnor; 1662-3 Cardigan, Haverford-west
 * Brecon (Town)
 * 17 May 1661
 * Serjeant Charleton reports from the said Committee, touching the double Return of the Town of Brecon, that Sir Herbert Price was returned by one Indenture; and Kingsmell Lucy Esquire by another Indenture, and the Opinion of the Committee, that Sir Herbert Price, being returned by the proper Officer, ought to sit, until the Merits of the Cause touching the said Election be determined.
 * Resolved, That the House doth agree with the said Committee, that the said Sir Herbert Price, being returned by the proper Officer, ought to sit in this House, until the Merits of the Cause touching the said Election be determined.
 * 22 Mar 1662
 * Serjeant Charlton reports from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, touching the Election for the Town of Brecknock, That the Committee was of Opinion, That Sir Herbert Price was duly elected, and ought to sit as Burgess for the said Town.
 * Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, That Sir Herbert Price was duly elected; and ought to sit as Burgess for the said Town of Brecknock.
 * Cardiffe
 * 27 Jun 1660
 * Mr. Turner reports from the Committee for Privileges and Elections, the Case upon the double Return for the Borough of Cardiffe; that, upon Examination of the Fact, it appeared, that the Sheriff summoned the Bailiffs of Cardiffe, and those of the Out Boroughs, (who are also interested in the Election) to attend the Election at the usual Place; and that the Bailiffs at Cardiffe came not up at the Time to the Place of Election, though Room was offered to be made for them, (for which they pretended the great Concourse of People); and that the Sheriff and Bailiffs of some of the Out Boroughs (the Bailiffs of Cardiffe making Default, as aforesaid) proceeded to the Election, and returned Bussy Mansell Esquire, under the Hands and Seals of the Sheriff and Two of the Bailiffs: And that the Committee are of Opinion the Return was good, and that Mr. Mansell is duly chosen, and ought to sit.
 * Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, that Mr. Bussy Mansell, who is returned to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Cardiff, is duly elected; and that he do sit in this House.
 * Ordered, That the Clerk of the Crown do give his Attendance on Friday next, for amending the Returns of Members to serve for the Boroughs of Cardiffe, and City of Litchfield.
 * 1 June 1661
 * The House being informed, that a new Writ was issued for a new Election for the Town of Cardiffe in Glamorganshire, upon the Waver of a Member returned for that Place, whose Election was questionable, before the same was determined;
 * Ordered, That the Business touching the Election for the said Town of Cardiffe be referred to the Committee for Privileges and Elections; to take the same into Consideration at their next Sitting this Afternoon, the first Business.
 * Cardigan
 * 30 Apr 1662
 * Serjeant Charlton reports from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, touching the Election for the Town of Cardigan in Wales, between Mr. Phillips and Sir Francis Lloyd, That the Question did arise upon the Statute of the Thirty-fifth of Henry the VIIIth, as to the Notice to be given of the Election for Members to serve for Shire Towns in Wales: And the Committee was of Opinion, that Notice of all Elections of Members for Shire Towns ought, by the Intent of the said Act, to be given to the Out Corporations and Boroughs which do not send Burgesses themselves: And that no such Notice being given, therefore the Election of the said Mr. Phillips was void.
 * Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, That the Election of Mr. Phillips, to serve for the Shire Town of Cardigan, is void; because due Notice was not given of the said Election.
 * Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, That Notice of all Elections of Members, to serve for Shire Towns in Wales, ought to be given to the Out Corporations and Boroughs in such Shire.
 * 6 Jul 1663
 * Sir Job Charleton reports from the Committee of Elections, That the Committee in the Cause between Sir Charles Cottrell and Sir Francis Lloyd, had examined the Matter; and were clearly satisfied, and of Opinion, That Sir Charles Cottrell had the Majority of Voices, and was duly elected for the Town of Cardigan.
 * Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, That Sir Charles Cottrell was duly elected for the said Town of Cardigan, and ought to sit.
 * Haverford-west
 * 29 Jun 1660
 * He also reports the Case upon the Election of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the Town of Haverford West; and the Committee's Opinion thereupon.
 * The humble Petition of the Mayor and Common Council of the Town and County of Haverford West in South Wales, was read.
 * The Question being propounded, That this House doth agree with the Committee in their Report concerning Haverford West;
 * And the Question being put, That this Question be now put;
 * It passed in the Negative.
 * Resolved, That the Election of William Phillips Esquire, to serve in this present Parliament for the Town of Haverford West, is void; and that a new Writ be issued for the new Election of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the said Town: And that Mr. Speaker do grant his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, to prepare a new Writ for that Purpose; which the Lord Chancellor of England is to pass and issue under the Great Seal of England accordingly.
 * 4 Apr 1662
 * Serjeant Charlton reports from the Committee of Elections, touching the Election of Haverford West, depending between Sir William Moreton, and Mr. Isaac Lloyd, That the Question was, Whether the Mayor and Burgesses of the Town only, or the Mayor, Burgesses, and Inhabitants, that paid Scot and Lot, had Voices: And that, upon Perusal of the Statute of 31 H.. VIII. the Committee was of Opinion, That the Mayor, Burgesses, and Inhabitants, that paid Scot and Lot, had Voices: And that, although Mr. Lloyd had the greater Number of Voices, yet divers of them did not pay Scot and Lot; and those being set aside, Sir Wm. Moreton had the major Number, and so was duly elected. But upon Information, that divers of the Inhabitants, which gave Voices for Sir Wm. Moreton, did not pay Scot and Lot;
 * Resolved, upon the Question, That the Matter touching the Election for the said Town of Haverford West, be re-committed to the Committee of Elections; to examine whether any of the Burgesses and Inhabitants of Haverford West did not pay any Scot and Lot, which did give Voices for Sir Wm. Moreton; and how many; and to make their further Report touching the Election for the said Town.
 * 23 May 1663
 * Serjeant Charlton reports from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, touching the Election for the Town and County of Haverfordwest, between Sir William Moreton and Mr. Isaac Lloyd, That the Committee were of Opinion, that the Burgesses and Inhabitants of Haverfordwest, and the Inhabitants which paid Scot and Lot, had Voices in the Election: And that the Committee, upon Examination of the whole Matter, were of Opinion, That Mr. Lloyd was not duly elected: And that the Opinion of the Committee was, That Sir William Moreton was duly elected.
 * A Petition was tendered, subscribed by several Persons, touching the Election for Haverfordwest.
 * The Question being put, That the Paper, under the Title of a Petition, be read;
 * It was resolved in the Affirmative.
 * And the Paper being read;
 * And the Question being put, To agree with the Committee, That Sir William Moreton was duly elected;
 * It passed in the Negative.
 * Ordered, That Mr. Speaker do issue out his Warrant to the Clerk of the Crown, to make out a Writ, for Election of a Member for the Town and County of Haverfordwest.
 * Montgomery
 * 16 Jul 1660
 * Sir Edward Turner doth also report from the said Committee, the Case upon the Return of Thomas Middleton Esquire, to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Montgomery; and the Petition of Mr. Charles Floud; that, upon Examination of the Fact, it appeared to the Committee, that Mr. Middleton is duly elected, and ought to sit in this House.
 * Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee, that the said Mr. Middleton is duly elected, and do sit in this House.
 * 31 May 1661
 * Serjeant Charleton reports from the Committee for Privileges and Elections, touching the Return for the Town of Mountgomery, That John Blaney Esquire was returned a Burgess in one Indenture, by the Burgesses; and John Purcell Esquire in another Indenture, by the Mayor and Burgesses; and the Opinion of the Committee, that the said Mr. Purcell, being returned by the proper Officer, should sit, till the Merits of the Cause touching the said Return should be determined.
 * And the Question being put, That this House did agree with the said Committee, that the said Mr. Purcell should sit in this House, till the Merits of the Cause touching the said Return should be determined;
 * The House was divided:
 * And the Noes went forth.
 * Sir Anthony Irby,	Tellers for the Noes:	94.
 * Sir Richard Onslow,	With the Noes,
 * Colonel Windham,	Tellers for the Yeas:	180.
 * Sir Richard Everard,	With the Yeas,
 * So it passed with the Affirmative, That the said Mr. Purcell, being returned by the proper Officer, should sit in this House, till the Merits of the Cause touching the said Return be determined.
 * Radnor
 * 19 Jun 1661 Ordered, That the Petition for the Borough of Radner, in the County of Radner, which though it came not in within the Time limited, be referred to the Committee for Elections.
 * 9 1667-8 Haverford-west; 166-7-8 Haverford-west; 1678 Haverford-west; 1678-9 Montgomery Borough, Brecon Borough, Cardiff Borough, Haverford-west, New Radnor, Denbigh Town; 1679-80 Monmouth Borough, New Radnor, Montgomery Town,  Haverford-west -Right of Election determined: Monmouth Borough; 1680-81 Montgomery Town; 1685-7 Montgomery Borough
 * 10 1689-90 New Radnor Denbigh Borough Brecon Town; 1690-1 New Radnor, Denbigh Borough -Right of, determined, New Radnor; 1691-2 Denbigh
 * 11 none
 * 12
 * Flint Town
 * 7 Dec 1697
 * A PETITION of Sir John Hanmer Knight, and Baronet, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner, and Tho. Ravenscroft Esquire, stood Candidates, at the last Election, for the Town of Flint, in the room of Sir Roger Puleston, deceased; where Mr. Ravenscroft did not observe the late Act for preventing Expences at Elections; and, by Combination with the Bailiff of Flint, polled many Persons made free after Sir Roger's Death, and many Foreigners, who had no Right to poll; and refused to poll the Petitioner's legal Electors; to his Prejudice: And praying Relief therein.
 * Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections: And that they do examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.
 * 15 Jan 1698 Ordered, That Sir John Hanmer be at Liberty to withdraw his Petition touching the Election for the Town of Flint.
 * Brecon Town, Petition from, 21 Feb. Vide Leather.
 * 17 Dec 1698
 * A Petition of Jeffry Jeffrys, Esquire, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioner had the Majority of legal Votes at the last Election of a Burgess to serve in this Parliament for the Borough of Brecon; and many illegal Practices were then used on the behalf of Thomas Morgan Esquire; particularly, by the Sheriff of Brecon, who acted very partially against the Petitioner, and returned the said Mr. Morgan, in Wrong to the Petitioner: And praying Relief in the Premises.
 * Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections; And that they do examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.
 * 16:
 * 18 Feb 1709/10
 * Mr. Compton alſo (according to Order) reported from the ſaid Committee, the Matter, as it appeared to them, touching the Election for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglºſey, and the Reſolutions of the Com mittee thereupon, which they had direéted him to report to the Houſe; and he read the Report, and Reſolutions, in his Place, and afterwards delivered them in at the Clerk's Table: Where they were read, and are as follow; viz.
 * Upon the Petition of Owen Meyrick, Eſquire, Mayor, Tho. Evans, Bailiff, Wm. Meyrick, Eſquire, and Wm. Wynn, Gentleman, Burgeſſes of the Borough of Newborough, in the County of Angleſey, and alſo of Tho. Jones and john Davies, Burgeſſes of the Borough of Beaumaris, in the ſaid County, in the behalf of themſelves, and ſeveral other Burgeſſes of the ſaid Boroughs, complaining of an undue Election, and Return, of Henry Bertie, Eſquire, to ſerve in this preſent Parliament for the ſaid Borough of Beau 177arſ,f :
 * That the Counſel for the Petitioners alleged, that the Right of electing a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the Borough of Beaumaris, is in the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgeſſes in general, of the Boroughs of Newborough and Beaumares : - -
 * And, in the firſt place, they referred to the Statute, 27 Hen VIII. intituled, “Concerning the Laws to be “uſed in Wales;” whereby it is enaëted, that there ſhall be choſen for every Borough, being a Shire Town, within the Dominion of Wales (except the Shire Town of the County of Merioneth) one Burgeſs; and that the Burgeſſes Fees be levied and gathered, as well of the Boroughs and Shire Towns, as they be Burgeſſes of, as of all other ancient Boroughs within the ſame Sºires:
 * As alſo to the Statute, of the 35° Hen. VIII. intituled, “The Bill for Knights and Burgeſſes in Wales, concern “ing the Payment of their Fees and Wages;” whereby it is enacted, that the Burgeſſes of all Boroughs, . . . ſhall be contributory to the Payment of the Burgeſſes Wages of the ſaid Shire Towns, ſhall have like Voice and Authority to eleēt, name, and chuſe, the Burgeſſes of every the ſaid Shire Towns, like, and in ſuch Manner, as the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Shire Towns have, or uſe.
 * That the Counſel for the Petitioners further alleged, that Newborough was a Shire Town till the Reign of King Edward the 6th; to prove which, they produced an Aćt of Parliament, of the 2d and 3d of the ſaid King, inti tuled, “An Aćt for the keeping of the Seſſions, and “County Days, of the Iſle of Angleſey, in Beaumares, whereby it is enaëted, that as well the great Seſſions of the ſaid County, as all and every Shire or County Day or Days, and Seſſion of the Peace, to be holden for the ſaid County of Angleſey, ſhall be holden and kept within the ſaid Town of Beaumares. And it is alſo provided and enaëted in the ſaid Aët, that the ſaid Village of Newbo rough, and the Inhabitants thereof, ſhall be diſcharged from paying any Wages to any Burgeſs, which ſhall be returned, to ſerve in Parliament for the Town of *i. and Village of Newborough, or either of then.
 * Which Exemption, the Petitioners Counſel inferred, was given to Newborough for the Removal of the County Court and Seſſion to Beaumaris: And they alſo produced a Charter, bearing Dite the 27th Day of April, in the 17th Year of King Edward the ad; whereby it appeared, Newborough was a Corporation at that Time. -
 * And, to prove the cuſtomary Uſage of the Burgeſſes for Newborongh voting at the Flečtion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for Beaumaris, they called
 * john Ap john Rowland; who, by an Interpreter, ſaid, that he has known Newborough 55 Years paſt; and the Inhabitants thereof have claimed a Right, at Times, to vote at Beaumaris at the Election of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament, for 48 Years; and that, when Mr. Owen Hughes (who was then Mayor of Newborough, and, he thinks, Recorder of Beaumaris) ſtood for a Burgeſs for Beaumaris, he ſent to the Burgeſſes of Newborough, to come and vote for him; and about 30 of them went thither accordingly; but when they came, Mr. Hughes gave them his Thanks for the Trouble he had given them, and deſired them to return home, for that the Elečtion was agreed: That he remembers, there was another Controverſy, when he was a Youth.
 * That he was a Burgeſs at Newborough, and had ſur rendered his Right fince the laſt Election. -
 * Mr. Williams ſaid, that he was bred up under the ſaid Mr. Hughes, and ſaw the Burgeſſes of Newborough come to Beaumaris, to vote for him, upon his ſending for them; but cannot ſay, he ever ſaw any of thoſe Burgeſſes vote at Beaumaris, or fign any Return upon any Election there. - ...
 * That the Counſel for the fitting Member inſiſted, that the Right of eleēting a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for Beaumaris, is in the Mayor, Bailiffs, and capital Burgeſſes, of Beaumaris only. - *.
 * And the Counſel for the fitting Member alleged, that Newborough was not ſo much as a Corporation at preſent; for, though they had a Charter in the 17th of Edºard the 2d, yet the laſt Charter, that Borough had, was in the 15th Hen. VIII. reciting all the Charters, that were before granted; and the ſaid Charter of Hen. VIII. was ſurren dered 29 Hen. praedići. - -
 * To prove which, they produced the original Record from the Rolls; wherein the ſaid Charter of 15 Hen. VIII, appeared to be vacated, by Lines ſtruck through the ſame, and a Surrender thereof entered in the Margent of the Record, dated the 20th Ośīober, 29 Hen. VIII.
 * And the Counſel for the fitting Member furtheralleged, that the aforeſaid Aét, of the 2d and 3d Edw. VI. recites, that the Aſſizes and Seſſions, which for 250 Years before had been kept at Beaumaris, had been removed about 45 Years to the little Village Newborough, upon a falſe Re preſentation of one Mancus, then being Ambaſſador from the King of Spain to King Hen. the 7th; and, for that the ſaid Village is not fit to receive the Judges and Juſtices, or to hold Affizes or Seſſions, the ſame are removed back to Beaumaris. And alſo it is provided and enacted by the ſaid Aét, that the ſaid Village of Newborough, and Inhabi tants thereof, ſhould not from thenceforth be charged or chargeable to or with any of the Charges or Expences of any Burgeſs, who from time to time ſhould be returned, to ſerve in Parliament for the Town of Beaumaris and Village of Newborough, or either of them.
 * And the Counſel for the fitting Member inſiſted, that, as the aforeſaid Surrender of their Charter determined the Corporation of Newborough, ſo this Aét determined their Right of voting in Elections of a Member, to ſerve in Parliament, as a Borough.
 * And, as to the Allegations of the Counſel for the Petitioners, That the Right of elečting a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for Beaumaris, is in all the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Borough;
 * The Counſel for the fitting Member produced the Charter of that Borough, made 4° Eliz., reciting many former Charters, whereby the Right of eleēting of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for Beaumaris, is veſted in the §. Two Bailiffs, and 21 capital Burgeſſes, thereof; and alſo produced a Return of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Par liament, of the 39th Eliz. by which it appeared, that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and capital Burgeſſes, elected the Burgeſs, to ſerve in that Parliament.
 * And that, upon the Evidence aforeſaid, the Committee came to the following Reſolutions; viz. Reſolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Right of electing a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parlia ment for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Angleſey, is in the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgeſſes, of Beaumaris only. Reſolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That Henry Bertie, Eſquire, is duly elected a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the ſaid Borough of Beau maris. ~ zº . . The ſaid Reſºlutions, being ſeverally read a Second time, were, upon the Queſtion ſeverally put thereupon, agreed unto by the Houſe.
 * vol.21
 * Beaumaris
 * 5 Feb 1727/8 "Beaumaris Election"
 * A Petition of the honourable Henry Bertie, Esquire, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that the Petitioner, together with Watkin Williams Wynn, Esquire, stood Candidates at the last Election of a Burgess, to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey: That by the Charter, granted to the said Borough by Queen Elizabeth, it is directed, that no Person shall be elected, and returned, a Member, to serve in Parliament for the said Borough, not being first sworn a capital Burgess thereof; notwithstanding which, the said Mr. Williams, although not qualified, as aforesaid, has procured himself to be elected, and returned, a Burgess for the said Borough, in Prejudice to the Petitioner: And praying the House to give such Relief in the Premises, as seems meet.
 * Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House.
 * 13 Feb 1727 "Beaumaris Election"
 * A Petition of the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that all the Burgesses of Beaumaris have a Right to vote for a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the shire Town of Anglesey: That at the last Election there the Candidates were Henry Bertie, Watkin Williams Wynne, and Wm. Bodvell, Esquires; and the Petitioners tendered their Votes for Mr. Bodvell; but John Rowlands, the Mayor, and Maurice Evans and John Green, the Bailiffs, of the Borough of Beaumaris, illegally returned the said Mr. Wynne, though Mr. Bodvell had a Majority of legal Votes; and the said Mayor and Bailiffs were guilty of several other illegal and undue Practices: And praying Relief in the Premises. Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Con fideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the some, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House. Ordered, That it be an Instruction to the said Committee, that they do hear the Matter of the said Petition at the same time they hear the Matter of the Petition of Wm. Bodvell, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election and Return for the said Borough of Beaumaris.
 * A Petition of the Burgesses of the Borough of Newburgh, in the County of Anglesey, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that the Petitioners have a Right to vote for a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the shire Town of the County of Anglesey; and at the last Election there Henry Bertie, Watkin Williams Wynne, and Wm. Bodvell, Esquires, stood Candidates; and the Petitioners then were present, and tendered their Votes; but the Mayor and Bailiffs of Beaumaris rejected them, and have illegally returned Mr. Wynne, although Mr. Bodvell had a Majority of legal Votes; and the Mayor and Bailiffs were guilty of many other undue Practices: And praying Relief therein. - Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House. Ordered, That it be an Instruction to the said Committee, that they do hear the Matter of the said Petition at the same time they hear the Matter of the Petition of Wm. Bodvell, Esquire, complaining of an undue Election and Return for the said Borough of Beaumaris.
 * 3 Feb 1728 "Anglesey [sic] Election"
 * A Petition of the Burgesses of the Borough of New burgh, in the County of Anglesey, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that the Petitioners have a Right to vote for a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the shire Town of the County of Anglesey; and, at the last Election there, Henry Bertie, Watkin Williams Wynne, and William Bodvell, Esquires, stood Candidates; and the Petitioners then were present, and tendered their Votes; but the Mayor and Bailiffs of Beaumaris rejected them, and have illegally returned Mr. Wynn, although Mr. Bodvell had a Majority of legal Votes; and the Mayor and Bailiffs were guilty of many other undue Practices: And praying Relief therein. Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Con sideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House.
 * A Petition of the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that all the Burgesses of Beaumaris have a Right to vote for a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the shire town of Anglesey: That at the last Election there, the Candidates were Henry Bertie, Watkin Williams Wynne, and Wm. Bodvell, Esquires, and the Petitioners tendered their Votes for Mr. Bodvell; but John Rowlands, the Mayor, and Maurice Evans and John Green, the Bailiffs of the Borough of Beaumaris, illegally returned the said Mr. Wynne, though Mr. Bodvell had a Majority of legal Votes; and the said Mayor and Bailiffs were guilty of several other illegal and undue Practices: And praying Relief in the Premises. Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the same, with their Opinion thereupon, to the House.
 * 26 Jan 1729/30 "Beaumaris Election"
 * A Petition of the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that all the Burgesses of Beaumaris have a Right to vote for a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the shire Town of Anglesey: That at the last Election there, the Candidates were, Henry Bertie, Watkin Williams Wynne, and Wm. Bodvell, Esquires; and the Petitioners tendered their Votes for Mr. Bodvell; but john Rowlands, the Mayor, and Maurice Evans and john Green, the Bailiffs, of the Borough of Beaumaris, illegally returned the said Mr. Wynne, though Mr. Bodvell. had a Majority of legal Votes ; and the said Mayor and Bailiffs were guilty of several other illegal and undue Practices: And praying Relief in the Premises.
 * Ordered, That the Matter of the said Petition be heard at the Bar of this House upon Thursday, the Twenty sixth Day of February next.
 * A Petition of the Burgesses of the Borough of Newburgh, in the County of Anglesey, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, that the Petitioners have a Right to vote for a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the shire Town of the County of Anglesey; and at the last Election there, Henry Bertie, Watkin Williams Wynne, and Wm. Bodvell, Esquires, stood Candidates; and the Petitioners then were present, and tendered their Votes; but the Mayor and Bailiffs of Beaumaris rejected them, and have illegally returned Mr. Wynne, although Mr. Bodvell had a Majority of legal Votes; and the Mayor and Bailiffs were guilty of many other undue Practices: And praying Relief therein. - - - - - - ***:Ordered, That the Matter of the said Petition be heard at the Bar of this House upon Thursday, the Twenty sixth Day of February next, when the Matter of the Petition of the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough of Beaumaris, in the said County of Anglesey, complaining of an undue Election and Return for the said Borough of Beaumaris, is appointed to be heard.
 * 3 Mar 1729/30 "Beaumaris Election"
 * The House proceeded (according to Order) to the hearing the Merits of the Election for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey. And the Counsel were called in. And the Petition of the major Part of the Burgesses of the said Borough of Beaumaris, and also the Petition of the Burgesses of the Borough of Newburgh, in the said co of Anglesey, were read; and the Counsel were heard. And it being objected, that the said Petition of the Burgesses of the Borough of Newburgh was signed by some Persons, who had not signed the former Petitions, presented in this Parliament; and that the Names of some of the Petitioners were not written, or Marks made, by the Parties themselves; the Counsel were directed to withdraw. And the Resolution of the House the 14th of November 1689, That all Petitions, presented to the House, ought to be signed by the Petitioners with their own Hands, by their Names or Marks, was read: And the Journal of the 6th of April 1714, in the Case of the Petition, touching the Election for the Borough of Wigan, in the County of Lancaster, was read. Ordered, That the Counsel be called in, and be directed by Mr. speaker to proceed only upon the Matter of the Petition of the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough of Beaumaris. And the Counsel were called in again, and Mr. speaker acquainted them therewith. And the Counsel for the Petitioners, the major Part of the Burgesses of the said Borough of Beaumaris, were further heard. And withdraw. And the Time being come, for the House to attend his Majesty; - Ordered, That the further hearing the Merits of the Election for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey, be adjourned till Two of the Clock this Afternoon. [...]
 * The House proceeded (according to Order) in the further hearing the Merits of the Election for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey. And the Counsel on both sides were called in again, and were further heard as to the Right of Election; which the Petitioner's Counsel insisted, is in all the Inhabitants of the Borough of Beaumaris, being Householders, and not receiving Alms; and the sitting Member's Counsel insisted, that the Right of Election is in the Mayor, Bailiffs, and capital Burgesses, of Beaumaris only. On the Petitioner's Part, the Nineteenth and Thirty sixth sections of the Act, of the 27th Year of King Henry 8th (concerning the Laws to be used in Wales) and the Third section of the Act, of the 35th Year of the same King, intituled, “The Bill for Knights and Burgesses in Wales concerning the Payment of their Fees and Wages,” were read; and a Copy of a private Act of Parliament made in the second and Third Year of the Reign of King Edward 6th, intituled, “An Act for the keeping of the sessions, and County Days, of the Isle of Anglosey in Beaumarres,” was read; and Copies of several Returns to Parliament were read; and the Petitioner's Counsel examined a Witness. On the sitting Member's Part, the 119th section of the Act of the 34th and 35th Year of King Henry 8th, intituled, “An Act for certain Ordinances in the King's Majesty's Dominion and Principality of Wales,” and the Act, of the 21st Year of King James 1st, intituled, “An Act of Repeal of one Branch of the statute, made in the session of Parliament, holden by Prorogation at Wesminster, the 22d Day of January, in the 34th Year of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, intituled, An Act for certain Ordinances in the King's Majesty's Dominion and Principality of Wales,” were read; and the Charter of the Borough of Beaumaris, granted by Queen Elizabeth, bearing Teste the 22d Day of June, in the 4th Year of her Reign, and containing Inspeximus's of several Charters, granted in former Reigns, was produced, and read; and the Resolution of the House the 18th of February 1709, touching the Right of Election, was read; and the sitting Member's Counsel examined several Witnesses, and summed up their Evidence. And the Petitioner's Counsel were heard, by way of Reply. And then the Counsel on both sides were directed to withdraw. - And a Motion being made, and the Question being proposed, That the Right of Election of a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey, is in the Inhabitants of the said Borough of Beaumaris, being Householders, and not receiving Alms; several Amendments were made to the Question; The Question being put, That the Word “Inhabitants” stand Part of the Question; - It passed in the Negative. - An Amendment being proposed, That the Words, “Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses at large,” be inserted, instead of the Word “Inhabitants;” - - It was proposed to amend the said Amendment, by inserting therein, between the Word “and” and the Word “Burgesses,” this Word “capital,” and to leave out these Words, “at large.” - And the Question being put, That the said Word “capital” be there inserted; It was resolved in the Affirmative. - - And the Question being put, That these Words, “at large,” stand Part of the said Amendment; It passed in the Negative. And the Question being put, That the Word “only" be added to the said Amendment; It was resolved in the Affirmative. Then the said Amendment, so amended, was agreed by the House to be made Part of the Question. Another Amendment was proposed to be made to the Question, by leaving out these Words “being Householders, and not receiving Alms.” And the Question being put, That those Words stand Part of the Question; It passed in the Negative. Then the Question, so amended, being put; Resolved, That the Right of electing a Burgess, to serve in Parliament for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey, is in the Mayor, Bailiffs, and capital Burgesses only, of the said Borough of Beaumaris.
 * Then the Counsel were called in again, and Mr.speaker acquainted them with the said Resolution. And the Petitioner's Counsel informing the House, that the House having thus determined the Right of Election, they had nothing further to offer; the Counsel were again directed to withdraw. Resolved, That Watkins Williams Wynn, Esquire, is duly elected a Burgess, to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Beaumaris, in the County of Anglesey.
 * Brecon
 * 1 Feb 1727/8
 * A Petition of john jeffreys, Eſquire, was preſented to the Houſe, and read; ſetting forth, that at the late Elec tion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this preſent Parliament for the Borough of Brecon, Com' Brecon, the Petitioner, and Thomas Morgan, Eſquire, ſtood Candidates; and the Pe titioner was duly choſen by a great Majority of legal Voters; yet Edward Williams, Eſquire, the acting Bailiſi, and returning Officer, refuſed many to vote for the Pe. titioner, who had a Right, and admitted ſevera', that had no Right, to vote for Mr. Morgan; and hath un duly returned him, in wrong to the Petitioner: And praying Relief in the Premiſes.
 * Ordered, That the ſaid Petition be referred to the Con ſideration of the Committee of Privileges and Ele&tions; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the ſame, with their Opinion thereupon, to the Houſe.
 * Carmarthen
 * 6 Feb 1727/8
 * A Petition of james Phillips, Eſquire, was preſented to the Houſe, and read; ſetting forth, that at the laſt Election of a Member, to ſerve in this preſent Parliament for the County Borough of Carmarthen, the Petitioner and Arthur Bevan, Eſquire, ſtood Candidates; and the Petitioner was then duly choſen by a Majority of legal Votes, and ought to have been returned; but by ſome illegal Pračtices a Return is made of the ſaid Mr. Bevan, in Wrong to the Petitioner: That the Right of returning a Member to Parliament is in the Two Sheriffs of the faii Borough, who make but one Officer; but the Writ coming, by indireét Pračtices, into the Hands of David Morgan, one of the Sheriffs, he refuſed the other Sheriff a Sight thereof, or to join with him in making a Return; and he hath returned Mr. Bevan, as duly elected, and by that means to turn the Petitioner to complain upon the Merits of the Election; which the Petitioner apprehends, in Juſtice, he ought not to be put unto, but that the Return, ſo made by the ſaid Morgan ſhall be eſteemed as no Return at all: And praying the Houſe to take his Caſe into Confideration, and give him ſuch Relief, as ſhall ſeem juſt. - - ***:Ordered, That the ſaid Petition do lie upon the Table.
 * A Petition of Eraſmus Phillips, one of the late Sheriffs of the said Borough of Carmarthen, was presented to the Houſe, and read; ſetting forth, that the ſaid Borough is an ancient Borough, and was by Charter of King james the Firſt made a County of itſelf; by which Charter two Perſons are appointed Sheriffs, to be annually choſen, to whom all Writs are directed, and by them to be returned; which hath ever ſince been uſed : That the ſaid Bo rough hath always ſent one Member to Parliament, and, in order thereto, a Writ did iſſue, to eleēt a Member for this preſent Parliament; which Writ was direéted to the then Sheriffs of the ſaid County Borough, who were the Petitioner, and Mr. David Morgan; but the Writ came, by ſome indire&_Means, to the Hands of Mr. Morgan, who refuſed the Petitioner a Sight thereof, and he appointed the 11th Day of September laſt for the Election; when the Petitioner attended, according to his Duty, and the Candidates were james Phillips and Arthur Bevan, Eſquires; and the Majority of legal Votes being for Mr. Phillips, the Petitioner, who was the ſenior Sheriff, de clared him duly elected, and prepared an Indenture of Return accordingly, which was ſigned by the Mayor, Burgeſſes, and the Petitioner, according to uſual Cuſtom; and the Petitioner, defired Mr. Morgan to annex the ſaid Return to the Writ; but he then pretended, he had not the Writ about him; ſo the Petitioner, the ſame Day, in the Evening, attended Mr. Morgan again for that Pur poſe; and then Mr Morgan told the Petitioner, that he alone had made a Return of Mr. Bevan, and ſent it up; which is in Wrong to the Petitioner's Right of returning: And praying the Confideration of the Houſe in the Pre miſes, and ſuch Relief, as ſhall ſeem meet. *.
 * Ordered, That the Matter of the ſaid Petitions be heard at the Bar of this Houſe.
 * Ordered, That the Matter of the ſaid Petitions be heard at the Bar of this Houſe upon Tueſday, the Nineteenth Day of March next.
 * 23 Mar 1727/8
 * The Order of the Day, for the further hearing the Merits of the Election and Return for the County Bo rough of Carmarthen, being read ; And the Houſe being informed, that the Petitioner, James Phillips, Eſquire, did deſiſt from proſecuting his Pe tition, and would give the Houſe no further Trouble; Reſolved, That Arthur Bevan, Eſquire, is duly elected a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this preſent Parliament for the ſaid Borough of Carmarthen. Rºſolved, That the Execution of the Writ, for electing a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the County Borough of Carmarthen, and the making a Return thereof, are in the Two Sheriffs of the ſaid Borough jointly, The Clerk of the Crown attending with the Return for the ſaid Borough, the Writ and Return were read. A And it appearing to the Houſe, that the ſaid Return was executed by Mr. David Morgan, One of the Sheriffs, without the other Sheriff joining therein; And the Houſe being informed, that Mr. Eraſmas Phil lips, who was the other Sheriff at the time of the Ele&tion, attended at the Door, according to Order; Ordered, That Mr. Eraſmus Phillips, One of the late Sheriffs of the County Borough of Carmarthen, be called in, and that he do execute the ſaid Return. And he, being called in, did, at the Bar, execute the ſaid Return accordingly.
 * Montgomery
 * 1 Feb 1727/8 A Petition of ſeveral Burgeſſes of the Shire Town of tº: Montgomery, in the County of Montgomery, and alſo of the ſeveral Burgeſſes of the Boroughs of Llanidloes, Pool, and Llanvylling, in the ſaid County, whoſe Names are thereunto ſubſcribed, in behalf of themſelves, and other Burgeſſes of the ſaid Boroughs of Llanidloes, Pool, and Llanvylling, was preſented to the Houſe, and read; ſet ting forth, that on the 13th of September, 1727, came on the Ele&tion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the ſaid Shire Town of Montgomery; when Robert Williams and William Corbett, Eſquires, ſtood Candidates; and, though the Burgeſſes of Llanidloes, Pool, and Llanwylling, have an undoubted Right to vote at the Election of a Bur geſs, to ſerve for Montgomery, yet john Greenly, Eſquire, and Edward Butterell, the Bailiffs of Montgomery, and to whom the Precept was directed for the laſt Election, did not give ſuch due Notice, for the Ele&tion of a Burgeſs, to the ſaid Three Towns of Llanidloes, Pool, and Llan vylling, as they ought to have given, and heretofore has been given, but proceeded therein, and declared the Ma jority of Votes for Mr. Williams, and figned the Poll books; and ſeveral of the Petitioners declared to the Bai liffs, that they would join with them in the Return of Mr. Williams, and many of their Names were inſerted therein by Mr. Greenly; yet they were unduly prevented from figning the ſame, and find the ſaid Return delivered into the Clerk of the Crown's Office, ſigned only by Mr. Greenly, as alſo another Return of Mr. Corbett, ſigned only by Mr. Botterell, and ſome of the Burgeſſes of Mont gomery : And praying the Conſideration of the Houſe, and ſuch Relief, as ſhall be thought meet. Ordered, That the ſaid Petition be referred to the Confideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elečtions; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the ſame, with their Opinion thereupon, to the Houſe. A Petition of Robert Williams, Eſquire, was preſented to the Houſe, and read; ſetting forth, that at the Elečtion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this Parliament for the Shire Town of Montgomery, the Petitioner, and William Cor bett, Eſquire, were Candidates; and the Petitioner had the undoubted Majority of legal Votes, and is accord ingly returned by Mr. Greenly, one of the Bailiffs of the ſaid Town; but Mr. Edward Botterell, the other Bailiff, bath preſumed, in a moſt arbitrary and unjuſtifiable Manner, to return Mr. Corbett, in wrong to the Peti tioner; and Mr. Botterell and Mr. Corbett were guilty of many corrupt and illegal Pračtices, at the ſaid Ele&tion: And praying the Conſideration of the Houſe, and Relief in the Premiſes. Ordered, That the ſaid Petition be referred to the Con ſideration of the Committee of Privileges and Ele&tions; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the ſame, with their Opinion thereupon, to the Houſe. A Petition of William Corbett, Eſquire, was preſented to the Houſe, and read; ſetting forth, that the Petitioner, and Robert Williams, Eſquire, ſtood Candidates at the laſt Election of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this preſent Parlia ment for the Borough of Montgomery; and the Peti tioner, having a Majority of legal Votes, was returned by Edward Botterell, Eſquire, one of the Bailiffs of the ſaid Borough ; and John Greenly, Eſquire, the other Bailiff, hath made a Return of the ſaid Mr. Williams, in Wrong to the Petitioner, and the Rights of the ſaid legal Burgeſſes: And praying the Conſideration of the Houſe in the Premiſes. Ordered, That the ſaid Petition be referred to the Con ſideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elečtions; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the ſame, with their Opinion thereupon, to the Houſe.
 * 18 Mar 1727/8 The Houſe being informed, that ſome Difficulties had ariſºn at the Committee of Privileges and Elections, touching the Method of proceeding upon the double Re turn for the Town of Montgomery, and upon the feveral Petitions, preſented to the Houſe, and referred to the Committee, on the Firſt Day of February laſt, relating to the ſaid Return, and the Election for the ſaid Borough ; Several Journals of the Houſe were read. A Motion being made, and the Queſtion being put, That in all Caſes on double Returns, where the ſame ſhall be controverted either at the Bar of this Houſe, or in Committees of Privileges and Elections, the Counſel for ſuch Perſon who ſhall be firſt named in ſuch double Return, or whoſe Return ſhall be immediately annexed to the Writ, or Precept, ſhall proceed in the Firſt Place; The Houſe divided :
 * The Yeas go forth : - The Lord Malºas, Tellers for the Yeas, } 177.
 * + The Lord Morpeth, o
 * Tellers for the Noes, #. Waſter Bagoit : } I 24.
 * So it was reſolved in the Affirmative.
 * 12 Apr 1728 Ordered, That the Reports from the Committee of Privileges and Ecétions, touching the double Return, and Ele&tion, for the Town of Montgomery, in the County of Montgomery, and the Return, and Elečtion, for the Town of Bedford, in the County of Bedford, be received upon Tugſday Morning next.
 * 16 Apr 1728
 * Committee of Privileges and Elečtions, the Matter, as it appeared to them, touching the double Return, and Elec tion, for the Town of Montgomery, in the County of Mont gomery, and the Reſolutions of the Committee thereupon; which Report he read in his Place, and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table ; where the ſame was read; and the Report, and Reſolutions, are as follows; viz. Upon the double Return of William Corbet, Eſquire, and Robert Williams, Eſquire, to ſerve for the Town of Montgomery, in the County of Montgomery; and the reſpective Petitions of the ſaid Mr. Corbet and Mr. Williams, mutually complaining of the Return, and Elećtion, of each other; and alſo the Petition of ſeveral Burgeſſes of the ſaid Town of Montgomery, and ſeveral Burgeſſes of the Boroughs of Llanidloes, Poole, and Llanwylling, in the County of Montgomery, whoſe Names are thereunto ſubſcribed, in behalf of themſelves, and other Burgeſſes of the ſaid Three Boroughs, complaining that due Notice of the Elec tion was not given to the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Three laſt-mentioned Boroughs, and that, although their Votes were taken, yet they were unduly pre vented joining in the Return of Mr. Williams, which they would have done; and alſo complaining of the Return of Mr. Corbet, as by the Burgeſſes of Montgomery only : . The Committee have inſpected the ſaid Double Return, and have examined the Merits of this Election. The Return is by Two ſeveral Indentures; viz. That of Mr. Corbet is by Edward Botterell, Eſquire, one of the Bailiffs of the Borough of Montgomery, and the Majority of the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Borough; And the Return of Mr. Williams is mentioned to be made by john Greenly, Eſquire, one of the Bailiffs of the ſaid Borough of Montgomery, and many Burgeſſes, as well of the ſaid Borough, as of the ſeveral Boroughs of Poole, Llanidloes, and Llanvylling, ſome of which Burgeſſes are named in the Body of the Return ; and the Return is mentioned to be ſigned and ſealed by the ſaid Bailiff and Burgeſſes, but is executed by the Bailiff only. The Counſel for Mr. Corbet inſiſted, that the Right of Elečtion is in the Burgeſſes of the Borough of Montgomery only, notwithſtanding the laſt Determination of the Houſe to the contrary. The Counſel for Mr. Williams, and for the Petitioners in favour of the ſaid Three Boroughs of Poole, Llanidloes, and Llanvylling, called the Out Boroughs, inſiſted, that the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Three Out Boroughs have a Right to vote in the Ele&tion, equal with the Burgeſſes of Montgomery.
 * On Mr. Corbet's Part, Copies of 15 Returns were produced ; viz. 4 Feb. 7" Ed. VI. Per balli'os et burgenſes liberi burgi de Montgomery, pro nobis, et co’itat. burgi n'ri ; and the * is expreſſed to be made under their common eal : 28 fan. 1" Eliz. Per ballivos ville et lib'tat. de Montgo mery, et burgeſ, et, alderman, ejuſd'm burgi et libertat, pro ſe, et co’itat. burgi praedići. And this Return is expreſſed to be made under the Common Seal of the Borough of Montgomery : ... 26 Eliz. Copy of a Return, which is much defaced; but it appears to be made at Machinlleth, in com. praedići, per balli'os ville, and others named, tam pro ſeipis, quam pro om'ibus aliis burgen. ville predit. and the Power given to the Burgeſs, returned to Parliament, is, pro fe, et tot. com'itat. vi. 26 Oct. 3C Eliz. A Return, much defaced ; but it ap pears to be made per balli'os burgi Montgomery, and others named, burgenſ, ville de Moun ** under the Common Seal of the Town: 17 Sept. 39 Eliz. A Return, alſo much defaced; but appears to be made ex conſenſu et affenſu of ſeveral Perſons named, ac totius comitatſ's bergi de Mountgomery; and the Return is expreſſed to be made under the Seals of the Perſons named therei 1o Oči. 43 Eliz. A Return, er affenſu et conſenſu, of the Perſons named, ac totius burgen. comitat. com, pred. The Power, given to the Burgeſs returned, is, proſe, et burgo predići. and the Return is expreſſed to be made under the Seals of the particular Perſons named therein: 19 December, 18 jac. I. A Return by the Bailiffs of the Borough of Montgomery, and others therein named, Burgeſſes of the Town or Borough of Montgomery : and the Power given to the Burgeſs, returned to Parliament, is, pro ſº, et com’u’itat. ville de Mountgomery pred. et omnibus all. vill. de com. pred. and this Return is expreſſed to be made under the Seals of the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes praed, villae : 3 Car. I. A Return by the Bailiffs of the Borough of Montgomery, and the Burgeſſes of the Town or Borough of Montgomery aforeſaid: The Power given to the Burgeſs, returned to Parliament, is, proſe, et com. villae de Moint gomery praedići. et om'ibus al. will. de com, praed, and the Return is expreſſed to be made under the Seals of the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes predići. vill. 24 Oct. 16 Car. I. A Return by the Bailiffs of Mont gomery, and others therein named, Burgeſſes of the Town or Borough of Mountgomery; and the Power given to the Burgeſs, returned to Parliament, is, pro ſe, et com'itat. villae de Mountgomery praedići. et omnibus aliis will. de praed. ** And this Return is expreſſed to be made under the Seals of the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes aforeſaid of the Town aforeſaid: 6 May, 13 Car. 2": A Return per balli'os burgi de Mont gomery, and ſeveral Perſons named therein, cum multis aliis: And the Power given to the Burgeſs, returned to Parlia ment, is, pro ſe, et eadem villa de Montgomery pred. et omnibus al. vill. in com. praed, and the Return is expreſſed to be made under the Seals of the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes aforeſaid of the Town aforeſaid: 18 Feb. 31 Car. 24; : A Return of Edward Lloyd, Eſ. quire, per burgenſes ſeperal. burgor. de Mountgomery praed. Poole, et Llanvylling, in com, præd. (who are named in the Return) cum multis aliis burgenſibus praed. ſºperal, burgor. in toto attingen, ad numerum ducent. et novendecim perſonar, exiſten. major pars burgenſ, ſeperal, burgor. pred. Hui eleciioni praed. interfuer. Another Return (the ſame Date, 18 Feb. 31° Car. II.) of Mathew Pryce, Eſquire, per ballivos ville ſive burg; de Mountgomery, and ſeveral other Perſons therein named; cum multis al. exiſten, burgenſ, villa ſve burgi pred. and the Power given to the ſaid Mr. Pryce, ſo returned, is, proſe, et communitate ville ſive burgi praed. 6 Oct. 31 Car. 2* : A Return of Mathew Pryce, Eſquire, in the ſame Form, as that laſt-mentioned: 15 Mar. 33 Car. II. A Return of Mathew Price, Eſquire, in the ſame Form: 4 Apr. 1° jac. II: A Return of William Williams, Eſquire, by the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes of the Borough of Montgomery; with Power proſe, et co’iatate burgi prad. 15 jan. 1688: A Return of Charles Herbert, Eſquire, to the Convention Parliament, under the Hands of the Bailiffs of Montgomery, and the common Seal of that Town, Notice being given to the Burgeſſes.
 * The A&t of Parliament, 27 H. VIII. c. 26. S. 29, was read; whereby it is enacted, “That the Burgeſſes Fees “ be levied and gathered, as well of the Boroughs and “Shire Towns, as they be Burgeſſes of, as of all other “ ancient Boroughs within the ſame Shires.” Alſo the Aét, 35 H. VIII. c. 11. S. 3, was read; whereby - it is enaćted, “ Foraſmuch as the Inhabitants of all a Cities and Boroughs in every the Twelve Shires within “ haks, and in the County of Monmouth, not finding “ Burgeſſes for the Parliament themſelves, muſt bear and “pay the Burgeſſes Wages within the Shire Towns of “ and in every the ſaid Twelve Shires in Wales, and in “ the laid County of Monmouth, that, from the Beginning of the ſaid Parliament, the Burgeſſes of all and every of the ſaid Cities, Boroughs, and Towns, which be, and “ſhall be, contributory to the Payment of the Burgeſſes “Wages of the ſaid Shire Towns, ſhall be lawfully “admoniſhed by Proclamation, or otherwiſe, by the “Mayors, Bailiffs, and other head Officers, of the ſaid “Towns, or by one of them, to come and to give their “Elections, for the electing of the ſaid Burgeſſes, at “ſuch Time and Place lawful and reaſonable, as ſhall “be aſſigned for the ſame Intent by the ſaid Mayors, “Bailiffs, and other head Officers, of the ſaid Shire “Towns, or by one of them; in which Elećtions the “Burgeſſes ſhall have like Voice and Authority to eleēt, “name and chuſe, the Burgeſſes of every the ſaid Shire “Towns, like, and in ſuch Manner, as the Burgeſſes of “ the ſaid Shire Towns have or uſe.” And the Counſel for Mr. Corbet called the following Witneſſes: viz. Mºſes Poçºell; who ſpoke for 50 Years; and ſaid, the Right of Elečtion was always taken to be in the Burgeſſes of Montgomery only ; and that Mr. Herbert's Elećtion to the Convention Parliament was by thoſe Burgeſſes only; but there was no Oppoſition; none of the Out Burgeſſes claimed then, as he ſaw ; and that he had heard ſeveral ancient People, who are ſince dead, ſay, that the Right of Election was in the Burgeſſes of Montgomery : That Price Devereux, Eſquire, was, after the Convention, elected b the Burg; fles of Montgomery only; but that no Oppoſi tion had been firce the Convention. Being croſs-examined, he ſaid, he had heard of a diſ. puted Election in King james the zd's Time; when Mr. Williams was choſe by the Burgeſſes of Montgomery, and Mr. Herbert by thoſe of the Out Boroughs: That Mr. Devereux, was choſe Three times; and the Second time he gave £. 10, to each of the Out Boroughs, to vote, and ſign the Return: - - - That he did not remember any conteſted Ele&tion; nor did he know that ever any Burgeſſes of the Out Boroughs voted, or offered to vote. - - - - Morrice James ſpoke for 46 Years; and ſaid, that Mr. Charles Herbert was returned to the Convention Parlia ment by the Burgeſſes of Montgomery º ; and that he had heard ſeveral old People ſay, that the Burgeſſes of Montgomery had paid their Members Wages, and that they only had the Right of Elećtion: That the Burgeſſes of the Out Boroughs had voted: That, when Mr. De wereux ſtood, the Bailiffs deſired the Out Burgeſſes might vote, that he might be returned by them à. That he heard Mr. Devereux ſay, he would rather have One Bur gets of Montgomery, than Twenty of Pool: That there was no Oppoſition in the Ele&tion to the Convention Parlia ment; Six or Seven from Pool then offered to vote, and were refuſed: That Out Burgeſſes were taken againſt Mr. Maſon in 1705, when he, and Mr. Waughan, ſtood. . Richard Powell ſpoke for 60 Years; and ſaid, that his Mane. Mr. Whiºn, the fown-tick, told Him, that the Election of Mitbew Price, Eſquire, about 50 Years. fince, was by the Burgeſſes of Montgomery only : That Mr. Lloyd, in Oppoſition, brought ſome Men from Pool; but their Votes were refuſed: That he had heard old Men ſay, none had a Right to vote, but the Bur eſſes of Montgomery; and that they had collected Money at Montgomery, in King Charles the Second's Tithe, for the Burgeties Wages; but none was collečted of the Out Burgeſſes.
 * Charles Maſon, Eſquire, ſaid, that he ſerved for Mont gºmery about 25 or 26 Years fince, and derhanded his Wages of the Bailiff of Welth Pool, who refuſed to pay;. but he owned, he had no Certificate : That he excuſed *: of Montgomery, becauſe they were his Friends: That OL, 21, he did not believe, the Out Boroughs had a Right to vote; Montgomery That Mr. Waughan, and the Out Boroughs petitioned Election. againſt him; and the Petition was heard, and the Right of the Out Boroughs was not queſtioned, becauſe they agreed: That the Bailiffs f Montgomery ſent the Serjeants, to give Notice of the Election to the Out Boroughs, and ſome of them were admitted at his Elečtion; and he had heard, their firſt Claim was in King james the 2d's Time. .. The Counſel for Mr. Corbet admitted, that the Three Out Boroughs, before named, were ancient Boroughs before the Statute of the 27 Hen. VIII. but infifted, that they had only a conditional Right of voting, in caſe they paid to the parliamentary Wages; which they not having done, they had no Right to vote. The Counſel for Mr. Williams, and for the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Three Out Boroughs, infifted, that thoſe Bur geſſes had an equal Right to vote with the Burgeſſes of Montgomery; and that thoſe Out Burgeſſes were equally liable by Law to the parliamentary Wages, and might be compelled to pay the ſame; and that they had anciently contributed thereto, when Wages were taken. . . They urged, that ſeveral of the Returns before-men tioned, produced on the other Side, did manifeſt the Right of the Out Boroughs, particularly thoſe of 10 Oc tober, 43 Eliz. 19 December, 18 jac. I. 3 Car. I. and 24 Oãober, 10 Car. I. beſides which, they produced Copies of Thirteen other Returns ; viz. - - - 12 Mar. 2 Will & Mar. A Return per billiºns ºfte ſºve burgi de Mountgomery, and others named; cum mºis aliis perſon. exiſion, burgenſ, ville five burgi pred.T. et burgenſ. ſºpera' burgor. Laidloes, Poole, and Llanwy/- ling; with. Power pro ſe, et comunitate villae ſive burgi praedići under the Seals of the Voters: - Which Return appears to be ſigned by the Two Bailiffs of Pool, the Bailiff, and another, of Llanwylling, and the Mayor of Llanidoes : - - 18 November, 3 Wm. & Mary : Another in the ſame Form, and ſigned by the Bailiffs of Pool, and the Bailiff of Llanvylling, who are named to be of thoſe Places in the Body of the Return : . . . - 13 Nº. 7 Will. Another in the ſame Form with the laſt-mentioned Return, and ſigned in Four diſtinct Columns: * - - The Firſt by the Bailiffs, and Twelve Burgeſſes, of Montgomery; - - - º . *Second by the Mayor of Llanidloes, and Four urge Iles ; -- - * - -- * * * . † Third by the Bailiffs of Pool, and Six Burgeſſes of that Borough - - - - - - And the Fourth Column by the Bailiffs of Llanvylling, and Four Burgeſſes of that Borough:, , , * Auguſi, ſo Will. Another in the ſame Form, and ſigned in Columns for the Four Boroughs reſpectively, as the laſt-mentioned Return, but with more Voters for each Borough : --- - - - - And the Names of the reſpective Boroughs are inſerted in the Body of the Return, by way of Āddition to the Names of the Voters, ſigning the ſame: * - 27 january, 12 Willielmi : ). Six Returns in the ſame 16 December, 13 Willielmi : Form as the laſt-men 25 july, 1° Annae : tioned Return, and figned 13 May, 7° Annae : in the ſame Manner, in 16 October, 9° Annae : diſtinét Columns for the 8 September, 12° Anna : J Four Boroughs reſpec tively: . * - ſ: º - . . . . - 18 May, 4° Anne : A Return by the Bailiff of Mont gomery, and others; cum multis aliis perſonis exiſtentibus burgenſbus ville ſve burgi praid. et burgenſbus ſeperal. burgor. Llanidloes, Poole, et Llanvy/ling; with Power, pro ſe, et comunitat. ville ſive Burgi praed. - 14 Feb. 1° Geo. 1": }; Returns by the Bailiffs of 7 Apr. g" Geo. I. § Montgomery, and others, in the ſamé. Form, as the laſt before-mentioned Return. Several Perſons are named in the Bodies of the Returns to be of each of the ſaid Four Boroughs reſpectively: , ...And they ſigned the Returns, with the Additions of their reſpéétive Boroughs accordingly,
 * And Humphry Parry, Town Clerk of Llanwylling, being called, produced ſeveral Notices, in Writing, from the Bailiffs of Montgomery to the Borough of Llanwylling, of the Elections for Montgomery in the following Years; viz. 1660, 1695, 1698, 17oo, 1705, 1710, 1714, 1722. Which Notices were admitted by the Counſel for Mr. Corbet. The laſt Determination of the Houſe, as to the Right of Ele&tion for this Town, was read; viz. 1o junii, 1685, R. When it was adjudged, upon a 1° jac. 2di: łº, at the Bar, That the Elec tion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for this Town of Montgomery did not belong to the Burgeſſes of Mont gomery only ; and, That the ſeveral Burgeſſes of the ſeveral Boroughs of Llanidloes, Poole, and L/anwylling, had a Right to vote in the Ele&tion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the Shire Town of Montgomery. - And the following Witneſſes were called, and ex amined; viz. Morgan Edwards, Eſquire, who ſpoke for 38 Years; and ſaid, he had been at ſeveral Ele&tions, when the Out Burgeſſes voted, and ſigned the Returns: He never ſaw them refuſed, and bas heard, they had a Right: That, when he was Mayor of Llanidloes, in 1713, and 1714, the Bailiffs of Montgomery ſent him Notice, in Writing, of the Election; and he made Proclamation of it: That he had it by Tradition, that Llanidloes had paid to the Members. Edmund Hall ſpoke for 60 Years; and ſaid, the Out Boroughs uſed to poll at Montgomery : That they polled at the Elečtion of Mathew Price, Eſquire, before King james's Time, without any Objection. Being croſs-examined, he ſaid, he did not ſee them poll, but ſaw them go into the Hall; and the common Report of the Town was, that they voted. john Greenly, Eſquire, the Bailiff, who returned Mr. Williams, being examined, ſaid, that, about a Month or Six Weeks before the Ele&tion, he wrote to Mr. Hick man, Deputy Bailiff, to give Notice to the Out Boroughs of the Day of Election; and that Proclamation was made, for all the Out Boroughs to vote, and no Objećtion was made by the Candidates: That ſome of the Out Bo roughs voted for Mr. Corbet: That Mr. Corbet demanded a Scrutiny, but did not proſecute it ; and that it was as peaceable an Election, as ever he ſaw. Wytham jones, a Burgeſs of Llanidloes, ſaid, he, and Seven or Eight of his Friends, voted for Mr. Corbet. john Pugh, Eſquire, ſaid, he had ſerved in Five ſeveral Parliaments for Montgomery, and always underſtood that the Out Boroughs had a Right to vote, and never knew them queſtioned, but once in 1714, when Mr. Herbert ſtood againſt him : That he had the Majority with the Out Boroughs, and was returned; and Mr. Herbert had the Majority without them. - The Counſel for Mr. Corbet, on their Reply, obſerved, that the Notice given by the Bailiffs of Montgomery, dated the 10th of April, 1660, to the Bailiffs and Burgeſſes of Llanwylling, was ſigned by Richard Price, and R. Morgan, and the Return, the 6th of May following, was by john Whittingham, and john Maſon, Bailiffs. The Committee came to the following Reſolution; viz. - * - . w - 1. Rºſolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the Right of Elećtion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the Shire Town of Montgomery, is in the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Shire Town only. - - It was admitted by the Counſel, that the Majority, which Mr. Williams had upon the Poll, was made by the Burgeſſes of the Out Boroughs; and that Mr. Corbet had the Majority of the Burgeſſes of Montgomery. Whereupon the Committee came to this Reſolution: 2. Reſolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That William Corbet, Eſquire, is duly elected a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this preſent Parliament for the Shire Town of Montgomery. The Firſt of the ſaid Reſolutions being read a Second t|1318; - - -
 * An Amendment was propoſed to be made, by leaving out the Word “only,” and inſerting, inſtead thereof, “ and in the Burgeſſes of the ſeveral Boroughs of Llanidloes, Poole, and Llanwylling.” And the Queſtion being put, That the Word “only” ſtand Part of the ſaid Reſolution; The Houſe divided : The Noes go forth : Tellers for the Yeas, } §. * } I 45. Mr. Winnington, Tellers for the Nos.; Mr. Hugh #.lliams : } I #9. So it was reſolved in the Affirmative.
 * Reſolved, That the Houſe doth agree with the Com mittee, in the ſaid Reſolution, That the Right of Elec tion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in Parliament for the Shire Town of Montgomery, is in the Burgeſſes of the ſaid Shire Town only.
 * The Second Reſolution being read a Second time; Reſolved, That the Houſe doth agree with the Com mittee, in the ſaid Reſolution, That IWilliam Corbet, Eſquire, is duly elected a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this pre ſent Parliament for the Shire Town of Montgomery. Ordered, That the Clerk of the Crown do attend this Houſe To-morrow Morning, to amend the Return for the Town of Montgomery, in the County of Montgomery, by taking off the File the Indenture by which Robert Williams, Eſquire, is returned a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this preſent Parliament for the ſaid Town,
 * 17 Apr 1728 The Clerk of the Crown attended, and (according to Order) amended the Return for the Town of Montgomery in the County of Montgomery
 * Radnor
 * 22 Jan 1727/8 A Petition of the Burgeſſes of the Boroughs of Radnor, j, Rhayder, Knighton, Knucleſ, and Keventleece, was preſented to the Houle, and read; ſetting forth, that, by the laſt Reſolution in Parliament, the Right of Election of Burgeſſes, to ſerve in Parliament for the Borough of Radnor, is in the Burgeſſes of Radnor, Rhayder, Knighton, Knucleſ, and Kevencleece : That at the laſt Ele&tion of Members to Parliament for the Borough of Radnor, john Werney, and Thomas Lewis, Eſquires, ſtood Candidates; and Herbert Lewis, Eſquire, Brother-in-Law to the ſaid Thomas Lewis, was Bailiff, and the returning Officer; who, ſeveral times before the Election, declared, that he would return his ſaid Brother, right or wrong; and, in order thereto, he did, a ſhort time before the Election, make above Two hundred new Burgeſſes in an illegal Manner, contrary to the Dire&tions of the Charter, and without ſummoning the capital Burgeſſes, without whom the Bailiff can do no corporate Act : That ſuch new Burgeties were engaged to vote for the ſaid Thomas Lewis, and ſuch as would not promiſe, were for that reaſon not admitted to be ſwore, but were menaced in a very opprobrious Manner; and finding that ſuch new-made Burgeſſes were not ſufficient to gain a Majority, ſeveral more were made but Three Days before the Election ; and the Bailiff admitted all the new Burgeſſes to poll for his Brother, though they were obječted to, as being deſtruc tive to the Privileges of the legal Burgeſſes: That, by Cuſtom immemorial, no Perſon can be made a Burgeſs of Rhayder, though preſented by a Jury, if obječted to by any Two Burgeſſes; yet the Bailiff admitted above a Hundred to poll for his Brother, upon Pretence of their being preſented by the Leet about Seven Years ago, though at that time they were all objected to by ſeveral Burgeſſes, and have never ſince been permitted to enjoy any Privileges, as Burgeſſes; he alſo permitted to poll for his Brother ſeveral who received Alms; and by Menaces intimidated divers from voting for Mr. Werney, who declared, they otherwiſe would have done; and, though the ſaid Thomas Lewis had not, at the time of Election, a ſufficient Eſtate to qualify him to be elected, and both he, and his Brother, had Offices in the Cuſtom houſe, and the ſaid Bailiff ought not therefore to inter meddle in the ſaid Elečtion, all which was objected by the Burgeſſes, yet the ſaid Bailiff hath returned his Brother, although Mr. Werney had the Majority of legal Votes: And praying ſuch Relief, as the Houſe ſhall think meet. Ordered, That the ſaid Petition be referred to the Con ſideration of the Committee of Privileges and Elections; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the ſame, with their Opinion thereupon, to the Houſe. Ditc. . A Petition of john Werney, Eſquire, was preſented to the Houſe, and read; ſetting forth, that at the laſt Elećtion of a Burgeſs, to ſerve in this Parliament for the Borough of New Radnor, Com' Radnor, the Petitioner, and Thomas Lewis, Eſquire, ſtood Candidates ; and the Petitioner had a great Majority of legal Votes, and ought to have been returned; but the ſaid Thomas Lewis prevailed on his Brother-in-law, Herbert Lewis, Eſquire, who was then Bailiff, and returning Officer, to make a great Number of new Burgeſſes, ſome ſhort time before the Election, that had no Right, and, without any Authority for ſo doing, engaging them to vote for his ſaid Brother at the ſame time, and refuſing to enter ſuch as would not engage to V. for his Brother; by which, and many other undue Pračtices, the ſaid Mr. Thomas Lewis procured a colourable Majority: That Mr. Thomas Lewis at the time of Election enjoyed an Office in the Cuſtoms, or 'twas held in Truſt for him, for his Benefit, and therefore was . incapable to fit in Parliament; yet his Brother hath returned him, as duly elected: And praying the Houſe to take the Premiſes into Confideration, and give ſuch Relief, as ſhall be thought meet. Ordered, That the ſaid Petition be referred to the Con ſideration of the Committee of Privileges and Ele&tions; and that they do examine the Matter thereof, and report the ſame, with their Opinion thereupon, to the Houſe.
 * vol.96 7 Sep 1841 Caernarvon polls at Nevin and Criccieth not before chief municipal officers of boroughs

Other sources

 * "Introduction" (vol.1 pp.1–93)
 * Ch.1 history: Until Eliz, Chancery and Lords claimed right of trial (pp.9-10); then Committee of Privileges (p.11), at first sober (p.11) but soon but partial, favouring own contender over precedent (p.14); until Grenville's act (10 G.3 c.16 1770 temp; 14 G.3 c.15 1774 perm) standardised (p.16).
 * Ch.2: Glenbervie on why Committee of Privileges should abide by precedents
 * Ch.3: Constitution of committee under 1774 act
 * Notes: citations for 1-3
 * "New Radnor" (vol.1 pp.315–342)
 * "Cardigan" (vol.3 pp.171–235)
 * "Cardigan" (vol.3 pp.171–235)


 * [summary of relevant]:
 * In 1754 disputes "decided by the House as a whole", first session little else (except supply), "often the issue was decided with little respect to the merits of the question". "When no party issue was involved ... it became a matter of lobbying ... friends of friends". The 1769 Middlesex petition prompted George Greville's 1770 act. "petitions received a fairer trial, or at least appeared to do so, but election committees occasionally produced some whimsical verdicts". "Election committees were not bound by precedents, or rather could be led by a clever lawyer to accept as a precedent what had not hitherto been regarded as one."

Constituency-wise lists of all incidents, writs, etc:
 * T. H. B. Oldfield
 * T. H. B. Oldfield

Incidents

 * In 1604 Cardigan burgesses one return, sheriff court at Aberystwyth another; committee backs former and admonishes sheriff.
 * 1604 Carmarthen sheriff quibble no taown called "Shire-Town"; more interestingly Davys says "Every Burgess to be of the Shire-towns; but every of the other to have Voice in the Election, and to be contributory"; for privilege committee meeting later.
 * In 1621 Pembroke election void as out-boroughs not polled.
 * In 1660 Cardiff double return: election called by sheriff and held by out-boroughs without Cardiff itself was upheld.
 * In 1662 the election for Cardigan was declared void as the out-boroughs had not been notified.
 * In 1685, sheriff of Montgomeryshire delayed writ, ordered to sent to Montgomery and out-boroughs of "Llanidloe's Pool and Llanvilling".
 * In 1689 the election of New Radnor was upheld despite protests that the five out-boroughs were not notified and men from two were not allowed to vote.
 * In 1728 it was decided that only the freemen of the borough of Montgomery could participate in the election for that seat, thus disenfranchising the freemen of Llanidloes, Welshpool and Llanfyllin.

Later developments
The Reform Act 1832 practically ended the distinction between principal borough and contributory borough and the schedule of the ancillary Parliamentary Boundaries Act 1832 referred to the multi-borough constituencies as a "district"; hence "district of boroughs", similar to the Scottish district of burghs. Haverfordwest gained contributory boroughs (which were in Pembroke and not the county of the town of Haverfordwest). The 1832 act separated the Cardiff contributory boroughs other than Llantrisant and Cowbridge into the new Swansea District of Boroughs. As proposed in 1830, the reform bill would have added Llandaff, Aberdare, and Merthyr Tydfil as Cardiff contributory boroughs, but in the event Merthyr and Aberdare became a separate borough (legally comprising two components, although they were contiguous) while Llandaff remained part of Glamorgan county constituency, which gained a second seat. "The increase in the contributory boroughs scheme was a classic example of the Whigs sealing potentially dissident urban voters up into borough networks, keeping the county seats rural, and thus, potentially, subject to landlord control."

The 1832 act had longer polling hours in contributory boroughs than principle boroughs; repealed in 1868.

Several Welsh boroughs were disfanchised by the Redistribution of Seats Act 1885, their voters going to the county constituency. Swansea was split into two divisions: Swansea Town comprising the municipal borough of Swansea, and Swansea District the other boroughs. The remaining discontiguous Welsh boroughs were replaced by the Representation of the People Act 1918, except that Caernarfon persisted until the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949.

List
Other boroughs in 1835–1838 reports: Bala H.1, Dinas Mwdw 2671, Kidwelly 271, Laugharne 285, Llandovery 299, St Clears 375. (See 1835 Report Appendix Tables I–III, pp.56, 58, 60 which distinguishes boroughs which are municipal or parliamentary or both, noting contributory boroughs.)

Primary

 * {|class="wikitable"

! Year !! Session and chapter !! Name
 * +Acts of Parliament relating to Welsh parliamentary boroughs
 * 1535 || 27 Hen. VIII c.26 ||rowspan=2|Laws in Wales Acts; "Act of Union"
 * 1542 || 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c.26
 * 1543 || 35 Hen. VIII c.11 || An Act for the due Payment of the Fees and Wages of Knights and Burgesses for the Parliament, in Wales.
 * 1832 || 2 & 3 Will. IV c.45 (esp. Schedules E and E2)
 * "Great Reform Act"
 * 1832 || 2 & 3 Will. IV c.64 (esp. Schedule O Nos 23 and 41–51)
 * Parliamentary Boundaries Act 1832
 * 1867 || 30 & 31 Vict. c.102 || Representation of the People Act 1867; "Second Reform Act"
 * 1885 || 48 & 49 Vict. c.23 || Redistribution of Seats Act 1885
 * 1918 || 7 & 8 Geo. 5 c.64 || Representation of the People Act 1918
 * 1949 || 12, 13 & 14 Geo. 6 c.66 || House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949
 * }
 * Report Vol. II (1831–32 HC vol.xxxix) — Part II pp.131–142 (Monmouth)
 * Report Vol. IV (1831–32 HC vol.xli) — Part I (pp.1–86: Anglesey–Flintshire) Part II (pp.87–210: Glamorganshire–Radnorshire)
 * The maps from the preceding reports are available at visionofbritain.org.uk
 * "Report" 1835 HC xxiii (116) 1
 * "Appendix, Part I: Midland, Western, and South-Western Circuits" 1835 HC xxiii (116) 113
 * "Appendix, Part IV: Eastern and North-Western Circuits" 1835 HC xxvi (116) 1
 * (also HL 1837–38 xxxvii (379) 509 )
 * 1949 || 12, 13 & 14 Geo. 6 c.66 || House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act 1949
 * }
 * Report Vol. II (1831–32 HC vol.xxxix) — Part II pp.131–142 (Monmouth)
 * Report Vol. IV (1831–32 HC vol.xli) — Part I (pp.1–86: Anglesey–Flintshire) Part II (pp.87–210: Glamorganshire–Radnorshire)
 * The maps from the preceding reports are available at visionofbritain.org.uk
 * "Report" 1835 HC xxiii (116) 1
 * "Appendix, Part I: Midland, Western, and South-Western Circuits" 1835 HC xxiii (116) 113
 * "Appendix, Part IV: Eastern and North-Western Circuits" 1835 HC xxvi (116) 1
 * (also HL 1837–38 xxxvii (379) 509 )
 * "Appendix, Part IV: Eastern and North-Western Circuits" 1835 HC xxvi (116) 1
 * (also HL 1837–38 xxxvii (379) 509 )

Secondary

 * [has some history of the bad old days]
 * ; reprinted in
 * ; reprinted in
 * [Newborough 1689 et seq attempts to revive]
 * [1812 saw rival borough patrons]
 * claims the borough disfranchised in 1728 were "empowered to assert their right of voting" by a 1788 statute but never invoked it; I guess the act is 28 Geo III c.52 An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament which is not specific to Montgomery or Wales.
 * ; reprinted in
 * [Newborough 1689 et seq attempts to revive]
 * [1812 saw rival borough patrons]
 * claims the borough disfranchised in 1728 were "empowered to assert their right of voting" by a 1788 statute but never invoked it; I guess the act is 28 Geo III c.52 An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament which is not specific to Montgomery or Wales.
 * [Newborough 1689 et seq attempts to revive]
 * [1812 saw rival borough patrons]
 * claims the borough disfranchised in 1728 were "empowered to assert their right of voting" by a 1788 statute but never invoked it; I guess the act is 28 Geo III c.52 An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament which is not specific to Montgomery or Wales.
 * [1812 saw rival borough patrons]
 * claims the borough disfranchised in 1728 were "empowered to assert their right of voting" by a 1788 statute but never invoked it; I guess the act is 28 Geo III c.52 An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament which is not specific to Montgomery or Wales.
 * claims the borough disfranchised in 1728 were "empowered to assert their right of voting" by a 1788 statute but never invoked it; I guess the act is 28 Geo III c.52 An Act for the further Regulation of the Trials of controverted Elections, or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament which is not specific to Montgomery or Wales.


 * See also list of articles in Watkin 2012 p.252 fn.51