Study of population sizes.

Leading gentleman of a county, one of those having certain military and other functions under the Lord Lieutenant.

The transfer of specified powers – here, from Westminster to Wales. There have been two referenda for the establishment of a Welsh Assembly to govern Wales with limited powers. The first, in 1979, rejected the proposals by 79.7% to 20.3% on a 58.8% turnout. The second, in 1997, accepted improved proposals by 50.3% to 49.7% on a 50.1% turnout.

See Devolution.

Board of Deacons or elected ‘middle management’ of nonconformist chapels.

The act of separating the Church in Wales from the Church of England which was the established Church.

Conservative MP from 1837. Prime Minister 1868 and 1874–80.

Nonconformity – conscientious refusal to accept the doctrines, ceremonies and order of the Church of England.

Henry VIII closed down the Roman Catholic monasteries in the 1530s. This was partly a consequence of his break with Rome, but mainly because he coveted their great wealth.

A steward or seneschal in Welsh administration; in Gwynedd he was the effective first minister of the prince.