Context Haverfordwest_election,_1571

portrait of sir john perrot - mezzotint after george powle

during late 16th century, haverfordwest had population of around 2 3 thousand, of 1 hundred burgesses, bore right vote. politically dominated few individuals, notably perrot, supported local gentry, , opposing him, antiqurian george owen of henllys, , john barlow of slebech, had come conflict perrot due land dispute. perrot himself had grown in area, boyhood home being @ haroldstone, , had been mayor of haverfordwest in 1570, office held in 1575 , 1576. prior events of 1571, perrot held virtual monopoly of power - borough offices held supporters, including mayor, john voyle, , sheriff, edmund harries. sheriff acted returning officer, , capable of illicitly influencing result.