| Summary: | Perrot historiography is rather thin on the ground but the Perrot family are particularly well endowed with contemporary source material (Chapter I). Despite this, the historical facts regarding the origins and genealogy of the Perrots are buried beneath a cloak of myth, tradition and errors perpetuated for centuries (Chapter II, part I). But it is possible to construct a coherent genealogical framework and discussion, and to examine in some detail the various marriages of individual Perrots and to explain their significance (Chapter II, part II). Due to Pembrokeshire's lack of exposure to historical inquiry it is necessary to study the political geography, allegiance and structure of government of the county during the medieval period (Chapter III). Thus it is possible to measure and understand the political and military fortunes of members of the family particularly during the Glyndwr revolt and Wars of the Roses (Chapter IV). For all their political and social machinations, the family led a life of conventual piety and took a keen interest in the religious life of the county especially in view of their position as ecclesiastical landlords (Chapter V). Although they were essentially a rural based family they soon turned to exploit the benefits accruing from urban membership and town development. They became closely involved with town government and burghal associations particularly in Haverfordwest (Chapter VI). The evidence concerning their rural properties is particularly rich ranging from simple deeds to large scale royal surveys by Crown commissioners in the sixteenth century. Therefore, it is possible to study in depth the patient but imaginative growth and consolidation of a number of Pembrokeshire manors over two centuries (Chapter VII). Any family history is incomplete without an appreciation of the homes in which they lived. Moreover, the remains of these houses, in some cases considerable, form a tangible link with the past and places the family in their physical environment (Chapter VIII).
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