Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Inigo Jones (1573 - 1652)

      In 2005, the University of Manchester (England) listed 126 references pertaining to Inigo Jones. [copac.ac.uk]  In addition to this listing, he is recognized as transforming the architectural scene in Briton beginning 1615.  [Lives of the Stuart Age p. 239]  This Stuart source also states "...bore the unfamiliar Spanish name of Inigo." [p. 240]  Having the same Welsh descent and sharing the same surname, some time was spent exploring the origin of this first name Inigo.  Here are some of the findings.

      Using one of my favorite Welsh genealogy text by Nicholas [Annals and Antiquities of The Counties and County Families of Wales] he states describing an iron gate designed by our Inigo as "...the principal entrance, was designed by the writer's countryman, "Ynyr Shon" (Inigo Jones)." [p.661 Vol. II]  So there you have it!  A Welsh name of origin which was written in Welsh saved in Welsh documents [Mostyn manuscripts].

      The earliest use of this first name appears to be in South Wales around the year of 510 A.D.  According to Ashley in his book titled "British Kings and Queens", he states that in Gwent "Honorius or Ynyr" was a ruler of Caerwent.  He also states that in the Celtic language he was known as "ynyr". [p.124]  Thus this name in the earliest language was Celtic.

       By following my own family tree to Wales (Jones of course), it led me again to Nicholas [p.354 Vol. I] which shows the paternal descent of Tudor Trevor from "Ynyr ap Gadforch".  This Welsh tribal group leads to many of the surname Jones.  

       In Burke [The General Armory of England, Scotland, and Wales p.547] it records the arms of Inigo Jones.  On p.1035 it gives the arms of Tudor Trevor.  These are from the same family arms that are carried many generations down the family tree. 

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