Bangor

Bangor was incorporated in 1613 by a charter of 10 James I. The charter had been lost by the end of the century but it was enrolled in Chancery. It was incorporated with a provost, 12 burgesses and an unlimited number of freemen, who either were not appointed or did not long survive. At the beginning of the century this borough was under the influence of Sir James Hamilton (0931), whose two daughters, Anne Catherine and Margaret, were his residuary heirs. They married respectively Michael Ward (2180) and Thomas Butler, Viscount Ikerrin; Margaret's son was created Earl of Carrick. By the middle of the century the owner of the town was Bernard Ward, Lord Bangor (2177). Lords Bangor and Carrick controlled the seats so completely that Lord Carrick could sell his seat and Lord Bangor arrange the return to suit his own convenience, increase his political consequence or oblige his friends; for instance, in 1790: 'To answer some particular convenience Sir John Blackwood (0148) was returned for Bangor and Robert Ward (2184) for Sir John's borough of Killyleagh.'¹³⁹ By the end of the century Nicholas (2181), Lord Bangor, was insane and his affairs were administered by his brothers, Edward (2179) and Robert (2184) and by Sir John Parnell (1633). One of the seats for Bangor was sold in 1790 for £1,500 and Robert Ward acquired the money; this came to light only after their half-sister, Lady Clanwilliam, who had a claim on her late stepfather's estate, began to ask questions;¹⁴⁰ Robert was obliged to return it to the estate. At the Union the £15,000 compensation was divided equally between Lord Carrick and the Bangor trustee settlement.