The Wynns of Wynnstay possessed the dominant interest in Denbighshire; but during the long minority in the family following the death of Sir Watkin Wynn in 1749, the representation was decided by an arrangement between the heads of the other two leading families, Richard Myddelton of Chirk Castle and Sir Lynch Salusbury Cotton of Llewenny: Myddelton represented the borough and Cotton the county.1 No challenge was made to this arrangement; and at the general election of 1774 Cotton withdrew from the county to make way for Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, now of age.2 Wynn was returned unopposed until his death in 1789, when the seat was filled by a Wynnstay nominee.3