The Vaughans of Corsygedol had represented Merioneth unopposed since 1701, and throughout this period they had the support of the Wynns of Wynnstay, the next leading interest in the county. When William Vaughan left Parliament in 1768, his brother Evan Lloyd was reluctant to stand; and John Pugh Pryse of Gogerddan in Cardiganshire was returned with the support of both Corsygedol and Wynnstay.1 On Pryse’s death in January 1774 Henry Arthur Corbet of Ynysymaengwyn offered himself as a candidate, but this time Evan Lloyd Vaughan was prepared to stand and Corbet withdrew.2 At the general election Corbet had the support of Lord Powis, and stood the poll. After this contest, Evan Lloyd Vaughan held the seat unopposed until his death in 1791.