The Vaughan family of Llanelli

Walter Vaughan of Golden Grove was the eldest son and heir of John Vaughan of Golden Grove and his wife Katherine Morgan of Muddlescombe near Kidwelly. He married twice, firstly to Mary Rice of Dinefwr, and secondly to Lettice Laugharne. Walter, being the eldest son, inherited the lands and mansion at Golden Grove and he is also said to have owned a house in Carmarthen.

He continued to follow the family tradition taking an active part in land ownership and politics. He purchased and acquired leases of lands in Carmarthenshire, including Kidwelly, Llangunnor, Llanstephan and Llanelli, opening coal mines in Llangennech, Llwynhendy and Kidwelly.

Walter’s assets increased rapidly from the income of his extensive properties and his new coal ventures. His two marriages strengthened the position of the Vaughan family considerably. He was appointed to many of the same posts as his father and grandfather before him including:

High Sheriff of Carmarthenshire

Member of Parliament for Carmarthenshire

Mayor of Carmarthen three times

Warden/Governor of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Carmarthen

Justice of the Peace

High Sheriff of Pembrokeshire

Walter Vaughan had many children including:

Sir John Vaughan (c.1575-1634) Golden Grove, Created 1st Earl of Carbery 1628.

William Vaughan (c.1577-1641) Torycoed, Llangyndeirne.

Richard Vaughan Derllys, Merthyr, Carmarthenshire

Henry Vaughan (c.1586-1660). He married Sage of Derwydd, Llandybie.

Elinor Vaughan. She married John Protheroe of Nantyrhebog.

Walter Vaughan (d. 1635). He married Anne Lewis of Llanelli.