On Friday, 5 April 2019 12:39:27 UTC+1, Dan S. MacAbre wrote:
I know this description probably doesn't help at all, but is it ever the
case that a paramount board stud wall can support a beam going across
the top of it?

Even if it isn't load-bearing for directly vertical forces, it may be preventing the beam - or your house - from twisting like a corkscrew or sliding like a paralellogram into next door.

Owain