The historian Francis Jones said that "as history is little more than a collection of countless biographies, the significance of genealogy and family chronicle becomes obvious. . . .the family tree is of paramount importance. No individual stands in isolation. Each man is an extension of his ancestors. . . . The gentry families occupy a position of supreme importance in Welsh history. . . . For over three and a half centuries (1536-1889) they ruled Wales, accepted, unchallenged, obeyed. Parliamentary representation was wholly in their hands, they owned most of the land of Wales, they enjoyed a monopoly of all the commanding posts. . . .they were the unpaid governors of the counties. . . ."home rule" administered by a special type of Welshman, the country squire."

Foreword.

This book tells the story of several very distinguished families: (1) the Pryse family of Cardiganshire who built Gogerddan mansion on the mid-15th century and were one of the pre-eminent and wealthiest families for several centuries; it also describes the Lewes and Loveden families and their inter-marriages with the Pryses; and (2) the Thomas, Rudd, Dyer, Phillips, Walters, Pryse-Rice and Evans families who were owners of the Aberglasney estate in Carmarthenshire at different times.

Introduction.