Biography of John Powell 1632-1696

Around 1632 John Powell was born in Pentre Meurig Llanwrda.

In 1686 John Powell (age 54) was appointed Judge of the Common Pleas.

In 1687 John Powell (age 55) was appointed Justice of the King's Bench.

Trial and Imprisonment of the Seven Bishops

Evelyn's Diary. 29 Jun 1688. They appeared; the trial lasted from nine in the morning to past six in the evening, when the jury retired to consider of their verdict, and the Court adjourned to nine the next morning. The jury were locked up till that time, eleven of them being for an acquittal; but one (Arnold, a brewer) would not consent. At length he agreed with the others. The Chief Justice, Wright (age 54), behaved with great moderation and civility to the Bishops. Alibone, a Papist, was strongly against them; but Holloway and Powell (age 56) being of opinion in their favor, they were acquitted. When this was heard, there was great rejoicing; and there was a lane of people from the King's Bench [Map] to the water side, on their knees, as the Bishops passed and repassed, to beg their blessing. Bonfires were made that night, and bells rung, which was taken very ill at Court, and an appearance of nearly sixty Earls and Lords, etc., on the bench, did not a little comfort them; but indeed they were all along full of comfort and cheerful.

Evelyn's Diary. 02 Jul 1688. The two judges, Holloway and Powell (age 56), were displaced.

On 07 Sep 1696 John Powell (age 64) died.