GRIFFITH, GEORGE WILLIAM (1584-1655?), landowner, attorney, magistrate, and antiquary,
of Penybenglog, Pembs.; b. 21 April 1584, eldest son of William Griffith. He m. 22 Nov. 1605, Maud Bowen of Llwyn-gwair, by whom he had seven children. He was appointed public clerk in Pembrokeshire by the council of the Marches, was sometime Seneschal of Cemais, he assisted George Owen of Henllys (q.v.) with historical researches, and compiled many genealogical manuscripts. Bards from all Wales were entertained at Penybenglog, and Griffith was one of the last landowners in South Wales to patronize bards on any appreciable scale. A republican, he served on parliamentary committees, and his house was plundered by the Royalists. His will was proved in P.C.C. on 29 Aug. 1655. He was buried at Meline.
Bibliography:
- Trans. Cymm., 1938, 1949;
- manuscripts in N.L.W. and College of Arms.
Author:
Major Francis Jones, M.A., F.S.A., London / Carmarthen
