The Welsh jacobites

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Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn was the most powerful welsh Jacobite and headed one of the best-known Jacobite clubs in Wales called the Cycle Club.
Wynn was a direct descendant of the likes of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd who was the last native prince of wales before he was killed by the English and the welsh lost their independence.

The amazing thing about the members of Cycle Club is that, despite its potentially treasonable purpose, they kept minutes of their meetings and even had special glasses made from which they would drink their toasts - the National Museum in Cardiff actually owns several examples! link here


During the build-up to the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion discontent was rife, especially in Wrexham, whereas the summer progressed anti-Hanoverian anger turned into riots,
Rioters break windows in the 'dissenting chapels' (dissenters being fervent supporters of the new regime) and crack open more than a few heads as they roam, unchecked and unhindered, through the streets of the town. Jacobite songs are roared out and for several weeks the place is almost besieged by mob violence.
It was believed that Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn orchestrated the riots

The Cycle Club was not the only secret Jacobite organization to exist in Wales. In Montgomeryshire, there was a group known as 'The 27' while at Talgarth in 1727 a meeting of local Jacobite sympathizers actually ended up with members having to appear before a local magistrate to explain their actions.

In Pembrokeshire, a Jacobite group known as The Sea Sergeants continued to meet until 1762.

When Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender, landed in Scotland in 1745 (without the expected French army to back him up) Sir Watkin Williams Wynn and his friends were cautious not to commit themselves. They would rise, they decided, but only if there was a strong French army to ensure success. Bonnie Prince Charlie expected the Welsh Jacobites to come out in support but, in the end, Sir Watkin and his cronies did what they did best: they added another verse to their favorite drinking song.

David Morgan from Penycraig who obtained a captain’s commission in the army of the Young Pretender. He was captured by the Hanoverians and was tried for treason. On 30th July 1746 he was executed on Kennington Common by hanging, drawing and quartering, and then his head displayed on Temple Bar in London.

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