PhotoScoot 2014: Old Court House, Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth

Description

Ty Cwrt is the old black-and-white, timber-framed court building of the lordship of Cyfeiliog. An inscription above first floor window reads ‘1628 Owen Pugh io uxor’ and is believed to refer to the building of the original timber-framed house.

The Pugh family acted as stewards to the Lord of the Manor and eventually became the Lords in their own right in the 17th century. They lived 4 miles outside of town at Mathafarn.

David Wyn Davies' book, The Town of the Prince, includes references to court cases that were heard before members of the Pugh family - for example, on 22 March 1636, Rowland Pugh of Mathafarn and Francis Herbert of Dolguog, acting as the King's Justices of the Peace reviewed applications for licences to keep 'a common alehouse and Victualling house' (pg 9). David Wyn Davies also notes that the two families, Pugh and Herbert, were frequently involved in litigations against each other over rights to the market tolls for the town.

To see an historic view of the old Court building or Mayor’s house, follow this link:
http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk/items/10926