was unaffected because of the continuing unrest in the county. In December 1837 two troops had been called out to deal with Chartist disturbances at Caersws but the use of force was not required. Troops were called out again in May and December 1838. The worst trouble came in May 1839 when Chartist activities at Llanidloes led to the despatch of three police officers from London and the swearing-in of 200 Special constables. The arrest of three activists angered the Chartists, and an armed mob rescued the prisoners and caused damage to property. The Montgomeryshire Yeomanry, 200 strong, reinforced by four troops of the South Salopian Yeomanry marched from Welshpool to Llandiloes, arriving on 4 May, by which time the town was in the hands of the insurgents. The yeomanry immediately searched the town, making a number of arrests, uncovering arms caches, and restoring order. Further reinforced by two companies of the 14th Foot next day, the yeomanry conducted further searches and pursuits of the ringleaders. After thee days the area was quiet again and the yeomanry were stood down on 10 May. The Home Secretary congratulated the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry on their prompt assembly when called out, and for their service. Lieutenant-Col Williams-Wynn retired at the age of 77 in 1844 and from 26 January the commanding officer (CO) was Lt-Col Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, 6th Baronet of Wynnstay, a former officer in the 1st Life Guards (as were a number of the regiment's officers). He was simultaneously Lt-Col of the 1st Denbighshire Rifle Volunteers from 1862. Under his command the regiment's drill and efficiency was improved, and about 1850 its old flintlock pistols were replaced by Carbines. From 1851 the regiment was organised as follows: 1st (later A) Trp (Newtown) – Maj Viscount Seaham, later Earl Vane (formerly 1st LG) 2nd (later B) Trp (Berriew) – Capt C.W. Williams-Wynn 3rd (later C) Trp (Welshpool) – Capt R.D. Jones 4th (later D) Trp (Llangedwyn) – Capt R.M.B. Maurice E Trp (Lalnfyllin) – Capt John Dugdale of Llwyn; reformed 1862 F Trp (Caersws) – Capt W.H. Adams; reformed 1862 Cardwell Reforms The Cardwell Reforms of 1871 saw the Yeomanry transferred from the county Lords-Lieutenant to the War Office. Training was improved for officers and permanent staff drill-sergeants, musketry training was improved, and regiments were drilled as squadrons of two troops. Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn retired in June 1877 and became the regiment's Honorary