Flint Flintshire Universal British Directory 1791

Flint is the chief town of Flintshire, in North Wales. It has no market, but has four fairs, viz. on February 15, June 24, August 10, and November 30, for cattle. It is commodiously seated on the river Dee, and is but a small place, though it sends one member to parliament. This town, and its contributory boroughs, Caerwis, Overton, Rhyddlan, and Caergoerley, has a greater number of votes in the election of its representative than any other in the country. The chief interest which prevails here is Sir Watkin Williams Wynne’s, whose relation, Major Williams, of Penbedw, is the present member. The corporation consists of a mayor, who is by patent constable of the castle, and two bailiffs. The right of election is in the inhabitants of the borough of Flint, Rhyddlan, Overton, Caerwis, and Caergoerley, paying scot and lot. The inhabitants of Knolton and Overton, foreign, paying scot and lot in the parish of Overton, have a right to vote for the town of Flint. The number of voters is about one thousand. The mayor is the returning officer.

Flint was formerly noted for its castle, where Richard II took shelter on his arrival from Ireland; but, having quitted it, he was taken prisoner by the Duke of Lancaster. The castle now is in a ruinous condition. This castle stands close to the sea on a rock, which in various parts forms several feet of its foundation. It covers about three quarters of an acre. The assizes are now held at Mold, though a new goal [sic] has been built at Flint within these few years. It is twelve miles south-west of Chester, five north-east of Holywell, and one hundred and ninety-five north-west of London. Flint is not on the post road.

The following are the principal inhabitants:

Gentry

Seaman William, Esq.

Clergy

Davies Rev. George, Curate

Law

Humphreys Edward, Attorney

Traders, &c.

Ames Edward, Blacksmith

Axon Thomas, Victualler, (Royal Oak)

Bibby Thomas, Joiner and Coal Merchant

Bibby Richard, Grocer and Coal Merchant

Bibby Christopher, Coal Merchant

Bellis Thomas, sen. Farmer

Bellis Thomas, jun. Farmer

Brian William, Weaver

Bithel Benjamin, Fisherman

Booley Sarah, Grocer, &c.

Cash John, Schoolmaster

Craft Richard, Farmer

Conway Benjamin, Slater

Club Peter, Butcher

Clews Jane, Gingerbread-maker

Clayton Thomas, sen. Farrier

Davies Edward, Farmer

Davies David, Farmer

Davies Thomas, sen. Bricklayer

Davies John, jun. Bricklayer

Dean William, Joiner

Edwards Edward, Farmer

Edwards John, Shoemaker

Ellis John, Wheelwright

Evans Edward, Farmer

Evans John, Shoemaker

Foulks Humphrey, Shoemaker

Griffiths Thomas, Blacksmith