Indispensable

       After a sea of troubles (post 1 Dec.), and multiple stone tsunamis (post 9 Dec.), somehow that Jones surname DNA got passed down the many generations yet to come. My amazement and thankfulness continues but, how'd they do that keeps coming to mind. Something special must have been one of the keys. Well, maybe several things played a role.

       Salt and lead would top my list. In and around Cheshire, Shropshire and the vale of Clwyd, the Deceangli managed to handle this production and they must have kept all the techniques to themselves.  Since Roman days, these needs would have been great for all folks. [Documentation has been presented in the book by Jones and Mattingly pp.179-232 discussed post 3 June 2022]. A considerable mining complex existed [Halkyn Mountain] including lead pigs (bars) with "Deceangli" stamped on the side [p. 184 same book].  

       Cattle, sheep, grain, and land to keep these items up and running would also be high on my list. Lots of grass and lots of grain would be needed. The Cornovii [a joint source of my DNA], even had a special place set aside. They would have handled all the wool and cloth production which most folks still needed to provide some Longjohns on those cold winter nights. 

       Essential personnel would seem to be part of their survival. Grass (highland) and grain (low land), indispensable among all the storms. Beef and meat to Wrexham and, sheep and wool to Oswestry it would have been. Keep those family fires (kiln) still burning [p. 205 same book].

P.S. Here are some of the family tree which have been discussed up to this window in time.. Thank you to all in these branches from my DNA to yours. Gadforch (JA-1) to Llewelyn (JL-1) and the other sons of Tudor Trevor (JC-1) are shown. My Jones line is marked in blue.

Hundred Rolls - Greatest Inquests

       Edward I was certainly a unique individual. A moto above his throne in 1274 in modern lingo might read, "No Lip, Off Nobody, No How". At any rate, one of his first actions was to investigate official malpractices among each local government (the shires). These were bailiffs, escheators, sheriffs, forgers, clipper of coins and the like who were using extortion and corruption to line their own pockets. This of course was to see that the rights and privileges of old Edward I was being followed correctly.

       Local juries were formed in each hundred so that common folks (those being ripped off) could bring their charges. Oaths were sworn and a list of official wrongdoings were recorded for each county. These written accounts came to be called "Hundred Rolls". The first phase of this endeavor was taken 1274-1275 and, this is the date (1275) that is usually thought as its record of history. 

        However, there was a second series of records recorded in 1279 to document the rents and services (under feudal custom) owned to our Edward I. [sounds like collecting taxes]! All land held in demesne (manorial land actually possessed by the lord and not held by tenants) was to be evaluated for all lords, free tenants and, villeins whose lands valued over f 20. Who held which land and by what feudal services were to be determined and owed to Edward I. [recovery and maintenance to the King]! 

       Now all this information has been given to present the first individual recorded in the English language with the surname JONES! Drum roll please... a female name Matilda Jones! After 30 years of research she was finally found in the Huntingdonshire Hundred Rolls of 1279. First discussed April 1, 2011, in my blog "The Jones Surname" [ https://thejonessurname.blogspot.com ] and again January 23, 2013, translated from the Latin, she was found to hold 4 acres of land and a half acre of orchard. She was required to pay an annual rent of 2 shillings, and provide a number of services to the Abbot of Thorney. This included help with harvest, milling, and hunting. Most likely the Abbot of Thorney, was located in Sibbington and, was a parish in the hundred of Norman-Cross. 

       Holy Mackerel, Matilda, the first with the surname JONES!

The reference for the Hundred Rolls is in the book by Michael Prestwich (see post 13 December, 2023) pages 92-98. Also discussed on pages 106, 235, 236, 258, 262, 291, 301, 406, and 560. Whew...a few pages indeed.

Many Years Later

       Climbing one's family tree can get fairly complicated. Generations follow generations often knotting up the branches as one climbs about. Historical events along the way can be helpful to sort out some of the many difficulties facing the genealogist. Such is the case for my own Jones surname investigations.

       During the historical events of the family [Iorweth Fychan JI-1, 1st of Llwyn-Onn ca. 1175 to Howel JM-1 fl 1360 ] a number of individuals came into view that were to have significant impact on unraveling prominent knots in my family tree. Most genealogists call these knots "brick walls" and, a discussion of this phenomena can be found at:

                                              https://thebrickwallprotocol.blogspot.com.

       Anyway, two historical figures and their families come into play during this window of time (1155 A.D. - 1305 A.D.].

        Edward I had declared war 1276 A.D. (see last post) and, his right hand man was a fellow named Reginal de Grey. He was appointed Justiciar of Chester in 1277 A.D. and was suppose to teach all those rebels English Law. In 1282 A.D. he was placed in control of Ruthin Castle and, new towns around Ruthan were begun. Now remember, this was just above my family at Llwyn-Onn and would have been a major factor in their survival. The de Grey family would be involved in many actions yet to come.

       A second gentleman to play a major role was Richard Fitzalan, known as Earl of Arundel. He was considered a leading Marcher Lord of the day and, his family controlled much land around Oswestry. This is the front door to the Vale of Dee where Tudor Trevor (JC-1) was born!

       Needless to say, for many generations yet to arrive, these two families were closely connected to the family tree...many years later.

       A discussion of the FitzAlan family indexed as "fitz Alan family, of Clun and Oswestry" p. 587 can be found in the helpful book by David Carpenter The Struggle for Mastery as shown, first published 2003.

       A discussion of Reginald de Grey, indexed under Grey p. 606, in the text by Michael Prestwich was shown last post.

Dig Way Down To Build Way Up

       It was difficult enough for my Jones surname ancestors to survive all those Norman-French speakers. They were the ones who dug the trenches, who pilled up all that dirt, and who cut down all those trees to plant those motte and bailey things all over the place.  Just a few months to build and, they were not going away on their own accord. Needless to say, they were just a shadow of things to come.

      Military Cathedrals to their god of war they could be called. Stone upon stone, taking years to build. A fellow named Edward I built 10 to his delight. The first three were started in 1283 and the last in 1295. Lots and lots of folks were needed after a good looking rocky crag near the sea was chosen. Hum, lets see...for one stone edifice you would need diggers (115), masons (227), wood cutters, carpenters (22), smiths (30), quarriers (115) and lots and lots of laborers and other workers (546). This story is told in some detail in the book by Michael Prestwich.

      On pages 112 and 113 he shows the ground plans for six of these castles giving a good idea of how much stone it would have taken. Now, a little closer look at this stone!

      You would certainly have to dig way down to build way up.

Helpful References for this period of my families' history.

Prestwich, M., Edward I, Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 1988.

Robinson, D., Heritage In Wales, Queen Anne Press, London, 1989.

Kightly, C., Strongholds Of The Realm, Thames and Hudson, London, 1979.

The Wales Tourist Board 1982, The Automobile Association 1982, Castles In Wales. See last post.

Stone Tsunami(s)

      Tossing waves to-and-fro continued the foment surrounding the family trying to stay afloat in this sea of troubles. Grandfathers Gruffydd (JJ-1), Iorwerth (JK-1) and, Llewelyn (JL-1) certainly had their survival life-vest afloat but, none of them could have forecasted the threshold of irritation that was about to erupt. A fellow named Llywelyn "The Last" took overruling most of the northern part of Wales [where Llwyn-Onn was located]. This was after the death of Llywelyn "The First" in 1240 A.D. and,  Henry III had a few things to say. It was the Treaty of Woodstock (30 April 1247) which forced Llywelyn "The Last" to recognize English Law. Needless to say, Llywelyn "The Last" put the shoe on his foot and, in 1258 was styled "Prince of Wales" by Henry III. By 1267 with the Peace of Montgomery, Llywelyn "The Last" was recognized "Sovereign of Wales" just before the death of Henry III in 1272.

      Now, a new sovereign of England arrived on the scene, being out of the country until 1274. This Edward I (1272-1307) took his new job very seriously and, he expected all of his anticipated subjects to pay their homage [a ceremony by which a man acknowledges himself the vassal of a lord]. You can imagine how the older Llywelyn "The Last" [age 51 compared to 37 years] who had received his sovereignty, from the very father of this new sovereign [Edward I], when he [Llywelyn "The Last"] had been summoned to Montgomery to give homage. This was the very location Llywelyn "The Last" had been declared sovereign of Wales in 1267. Nothing doing says Llywelyn "The Last", including at the coronation of Edward I 1274, the summons to Shrewsbury 1274, to Chester in August 1275, to West Minister October 1275, and, finally to Winchester January 1276 and April 1276. Can you feel it? The threshold of irritation was about to erupt, like a great volcano, as a declaration of war was issued by Edward I November 1276. Up, up, and away to a series of earthquakes (invasions) starting 1276 and lasting until 1296. This volcanic eruption, followed by a series of earthquakes, brought into existence a great stone tsunami(s) described best in the following:

      Each stone tsunami raised a wave of conquest that was to change the life of those still swimming around during this ocean of time. Some of the stones are still standing to this day.

Sea Of Troubles

       Day after day, week after week, month after month, and yes, even year after year, swimming around in a sea of troubles would require a very strong life-vest. Jeuaf (JH-1) was facing all kinds of trouble from Henry I (1100-1135 A.D.) including the battle of Llangollan (1132 A.D.) when the last ruler of Powys [Madgog ap Maredudd] allied with the Normans. Then came Stephen (1135-1155 A.D.) when at the battle of Coleshill (1149 A.D.) a fellow named William fitz Alan took over Oswestry, which was right in the middle of the family's front door. Then Henry II (1155-1189 A.D.) was pronounced by Pope Adrain IV, by a Papal Bull [formal statement from the Pope], to have authority to rule Scotland, Ireland, and Wales! An invasion wave hit the shores between 1158 - 1165 A.D. and old Henry and his forces took control of Tegeingl [part of families' original lands]. By this wave, grandfather... Iorweth Fychan (JI-1) was moving the family to Llwyn-Onn, just before Richard I (1189 - 1199 A.D.) and his favorite son John (1199 - 1216 A.D.), had "Llywellyn the Great" give homage to John and to marry his daughter Joan! Whew...gulp...gulp...but not enough!

      At age nine, Henry III (1216 - 1272 A.D.) found himself in authority (of England) under the regent William Marshall [Earl of Pembroke = Southwestern Wales]. In 1220, the rule of primogeniture was granted to the wishes of Llywellyn ap Iorwerth [The Great] being the English way of passing down the kingship. The Treaty of Woodstock, 30 April 1249, declared English Law to be recognized in Wales. Gruffydd (JJ-1) was born by this time in Llwyn-Onn who was named after a previous Gruffydd [Gruffydd ap Llywelyn] who lost his head swimming around these rough waters. Finally, it was our Llewelyn (JK-1) after the Peace of Montgomery (1267 A.D.) who was about to face the "Perfect Storm" yet to arrive among all these "Sea of Troubles".

Self-Sufficient

      Continuing one's family tree down the hallways of time would seem top priority for those still active among the branches. Sharing this activity with others among the leaves would help cluster the resources thus, helping to improve strengths, decrease weaknesses and, share the responsibly of survival. Just how my Jones surname family tree managed the details of this endeavor during the next 15 generations at Llwyn-Onn still expands my wonderment. [Gruffydd (JJ-1) - John Jones (JP-1) and beyond]. Here are some issues along the way.

Henry II (1154-1189) - Invades Wales (1158-1165) [Iorweth Fychan (JI-1)]

John (1199-1216) - marries daughter to Llywelyn Fawr (1205) [Gruffydd (JJ-1)]

Henry III (1216-1272) - Rule of Primogeniture adopted (1226) [Llewelyn (JL-1)]

      and the greatest threat yet to come! 

Edward I (1272 - 1307) [Howel (JM-1)]! 

      Wow, how'd they do that? Somewhat self-sufficient I suppose.

FYCHAN

       My Jones surname tree-climbing has presented all types of branches to explore. In the Kentucky and Virginia adventures, during family searches, you would find ancestors with the same first named followed by the letters "Sr." or "Jr.".  My American upbring would explain that "Sr." occurring with another with the same first name, but followed as "Jr.", would mean that the "Sr." was the father of the "Jr." This finding would allow the connecting of these two folks correctly in your family tree. This phenomena would help many times fill in the branches, especially during the pre-1800s in Virginia.  

      Now crossing the great pond to England and, then to Wales, took me way back to pre-1200s. [the time that this blog presently reaches]! For many years the word "fychan" was assumed to mean "Jr." If the Welsh name followed another with same name, only accompanied by "fychan", it would mean father and son in the direct line to one another.

      At this point in my Jones surname family tree, Irowerth fychan (JI-1) is followed by Gruffydd (JJ-1) and, then by another fellow name Irowerth (JK-1). All three individuals are labeled as being of Llwyn-Onn [now being discussed] and, given in direct line " father to son " in my family tree. Hum...let's see.

      In my Blue Guide Wales, published 1990, V. Eirwen and Gwerfyl Moss discuss "The Welsh Language", pp. 59-65, stating that Fychan is a mutation of Bychan, and means small (p. 63) Whoa...mutation of words. What in the world does this mean? [discussed on page 60] Anyway, in my Welcome to Welsh book tagged "A new complete Welsh course for beginners", published 1984, by Heini Gruffudd, p. 130, states, "bach-small". In addition, my Welsh genealogical Research book by Charles M. Franklin, published 1995, gives the word "bach" to mean small (p.23) and the word "fychan" to mean younger (p.25). Finally, my The Shell Guide to Wales by Wynford Vaughan-Thomas and Alun Llewellyn, published 1969 (my early tree climbing days) gives "Bach (fem. fach). Small. ", whew...certainly not used to mean senior and junior, as used on this side of the great pond. 

      Small or younger, your guess is as good as mine when occurs the word FYCHAN.

P.S. My research is found in RN#6 titled Welsh Language.

Gruffydd (JJ-1)

      My tenth-generation grandfather down from the top, Gruffydd (JJ-1), would have lived at least his early years at Llwyn-Ynn. Documentation of his location is recorded in the following source and, it is shown below. The information is to be found in Heraldic Visitations of Wales and part of the Marches, Vol. II, by Lewys Dwnn, p.347. It is a valid and reliable source which has helped guide me among the many branches of my Jones surname family tree.

      The top line marked in yellow gives Griffydd (JJ-1) ap Ierwerth (JH-1) ap Ieva (JG-1) spelled in the Welsh. A footnote (8) is shown which directs to the bottom right, also marked in yellow. It states: "Descendant of Tydyr Trefor. He lived at Llwynon, in Denbigshire." A reliable source indeed it is.

Food And Fleece

       The next windows of time that my Jones surname ancestors explored, showed continual struggles all about. This period of survival, 1200 A.D. to 1300 A.D., was lived and tagged by the family as "of Llwyn-Onn" [see post of 23 August 2023]. Let's see now; air, water, food, and clothing were all necessities of life. From the grass lands of Llwyn-Ynn [summer home], to the plowed lands of Llwyn-Onn [winter home], the family maintained their existence. Part of this struggle involved driving their herds down from the hills to expected locations below. Cows and pigs [food], sheep and goats [fleece] to the long-established portals of management. The cows and pigs to Wrexham, where they were to be handled for their meat, skins and leather, with all their associated dyeing as desired. The sheep and goats were herded to Old Oswestry. Here, they were to be sheared, examined for liver rot [see post 10 March, 2022], and guided to their winter resting places. All the fleece were to be cleaned, prepped, and sent along its paths to Shrewsbury, the cloth capitol of the world. Generation to next generation, this family survival process continued. What a deal! To review the whole story being told, head back to the blog titled "On Lineal Descent" of 10 January 2022. The following blogs add to this story: "The Herds"-1 April 2022, "Sheep Breeds"-24 February 2022, "Shearing Sheep"-24 February 2022, "Counting Sheep"-3 January 2022, and many others beginning with my Celtic ancestors.

      The following chart shows the family tree from Jeuaf (JH-1), the first to move the family back to the Vale of Clwyd, then Iorweth Fychan (JI-1) who was the first to be named of Llwyn-Onn, and the succeeding generations yet to be discussed.

      The Vale of Clwyd:

Other Side Of The Mountain

       The Eglwyseg rocks climbed to a height of 1614 ft. (492 m) above the road that my Jones surname family traveled for many years. At the start of this trail was Dyffryn Clwyd, where the graze land gave the herds of cows and sheep something to do during the summer months. [At this period, a herd of cows was counted as 24]. The town land came to be called Llwyn-Ynn as discussed in the last post. Now some 20 miles southeast, the winter home was called Llwyn-Onn where the cows and sheep could take a break during the winter months. The following figure shows this travel route now along A525.

      The Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust stated on May 5, 2006 that Llwyn Onn Hall could be reached via a private track from the east side of Cefn Road at Pentre Gwyn opposite the junction with Abenbury Road. The following map shows Llwyn Onn Hall Hotel [became B&B] and, Llwyn Onn Hall (farm) to the southeast of Wrexham proper [bottom right conner of map].

      The Regional Sites & Monuments Record by Email, sent 5/5/2006 stated: "History Llwyn Onn Hall was until recently the home of the chief family of Wrexham, the Jones's, later Jones-Parry's, who claimed descent from Tudor Trefor. John Norden's survey of the lordship of Bromfield and Yale of 1620 records Roger Jones as holding "one capital messuage, called llwyn onn" and by 1724 Rate Books record the existence of "New Llwyn Onn" presumably to distinguish it from the present house which can therefore dated to at least the early part of the C18 although the fabric suggest a building of the C17, though not neccessarily that recorded by Norden. The Hall was turned into a Hotel in 1986 with the addition of a managers house, and some internal alterations."

PRN 102867 - Llwyn Onn Hall Hotel

Listed Building 1553 (II)

NRG:- SJ3587749371 (SJ34NE)

Unitary authority : - Wrexham

Community :- Abenbury

      Much more is written about the property, but from my file dated 5/5/2006:

             file://C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\My Documents\E3766\E3766casdwlw1.htm          

            

Sources

       Relative, reliable and, reproducible are topics which often arise during one's family tree climbing adventures. Having a surname like JONES, perhaps, brings these topics to the forefront frequently.  What confidence do you have regarding that family tree you are trying to plant? From Kentucky, to Virginia, to London, to Kent, to Rochester, to St. Asaph, to Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, and now to this place called Llwyn-Ynn you ask? Well, here are some sources to Llwyn-Ynn (Onn).

      From Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, Curatorial Section, dated 5/5/2006: PRN 17810 - Llwyn-ynn Hall, Listed Building 781 (11), NRG : SJ1323053390 (SJ15SW), Unitary authority :- Denbighshire, Community : - Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.

       "In former parkland 2 km south of Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, reached from the A525 via Llwyn-ynn lodge. History The main house was of Jacobean character. The surviving wing is probably of the late C17 and may possibly date from improvements of 1672, a date said to have been displayed on the house."

       " Llwyn-ynn hall was mostly destroyed prior to 1985, all that remains being an east wing which is clearly identified in the Royal Commission Inventory as a service wing to the main house. The site of the main house is now void." 

       "Exterior The surviving part consists of an L shaped C17 timber framed building and a stone link block of uncertain date. The timber-framed part stands on a high stone plinth, has a gable to the south and another to the east, slate roof with dormer and a tall stone chimney. The timber framing is square and three panels high with top corner braces. The corner posts of the south facing gable are generously jowled. Above tie beam is diagonally panelled. Modern windows. The timber frame to the left flank of the main south-facing gable is in advanced decay. Single storey annex in south east angle."

      "The following is from Cadw's Listed Buildings database"

      "Early C17 and later. Irregular plan and elevation. Stone and timber-framed, with slated roof and central stone stack. 2 storeys, and 2 storeys and attic. Casements and stone mullioned windows transoms and leaded lights. Large turret on west."

      There you have it. All you wanted to know but, too afraid to ask, as some would say in my old Ky home. Next post will give info on the other place some 20 miles east along the high road [see last post]. Will keep those sources coming.

  

High Road Around World's End

       My 10th generation grandfather down from the top, Gruffydd (JJ-1), would have been the first to reach his manhood at Llwyn-Ynn. Grazing cattle and sheep would have been one of his daily activities starting at a very young age. Learning the sword and spear would come along the way and, starting in earnest at age 14 years. Lloyd writes in his discussion of "WELSH SOCIETY IN 1200" (p.170), "They roamed their hills barefoot and thinly clad, slept in their day clothes on the hardest of couches, and never bemoaned the loss of a dinner." (p.175) Wow, what a life!

      Now Llwyn-Ynn and Llwyn-Onn were located some 20 miles apart along the paths leading above the north side of World's End. The following figure has been shown before, [post of 24 May 2022], and is now shown to give again the big picture of the geographic area being discussed.

      You can see the area circled in green surrounding the ground at the base of Mt Eglwyse. In my Reader's Guide Touring Britain 1992, describing World's End it states [p.158], "Limestone crags tower above wooded Eglwyseg valley. Remote and beautiful...".

      Just below Ruthin about two miles is the summer home Llwyn-Ynn. To the east is Wrexham the location of the winter home Llwyn-Onn. The following display shows the route traveled on the north side of World's End.

      You can follow the road south from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd [location of Llwyn-Ynn] paralleling Offa's Dyke Path to its east crossing together at Peny-stryt. It continues east through Bwichgwyn, and then southeast to Wrexham [location of Llwyn-Onn]. Wow, this path from summer to winter is along the high road of World's End.

A World in Crisis

       Understanding the dynamics of life that surrounded our ancestors from many years ago, often involves reading books that were written to help our insights. The days of William I [1066-1087 A.D.] were certainly such a time for my Jones surname folks. Iorwerth Fychan (JI-1) the first of LLwyn-Ynn and, Gruffydd (JJ-1) the first to grow up there, generated many questions from my genealogy tree climbing exploration. The following books helped me grasp a clearer insight. The covers of my copies are shown.

      From New Years Day England 1066, to New Years Eve England 1066, this text covers only the first year of the great invasion [pp.11-197]. Discussing only the first year in this time seems like a good place to start. First published by David Howarth in 1977, Dorset Press, a comment by The New Yorker was "A model of scholarly popular history." 

      Without bias is generally not achieved, recognizing that it is the victor who writes the history books. But, the next book by R. Allen Brown on its cover folded inward states, "...Normandy and England, the causes, events, and results of the Conquest are examined without bias." 

      First edition was published 1968, and the cover shown above is taken from the second edition published 1985 by The Boydell Press, Woodbridge. My particular attention was drawn to p. 146 where the story of a Norman minstrel, by the name Taillefer, was told at the day of battle 1066. The surname is spelled various ways, Taliafo, Tolliver, Taliafro, and Talifer, but most often Taliaferro when their surname appears on my side of the great pond with my family many, many, times.

      Perhaps the text with the widest range of topics is written by Robert Bartlett which includes chapters on the course of life, cultural patterns, religious life, towns and trade, and the rural foundations. 

      It was published 2000, by Oxford University Press. Items like the family tree of William I (p.5), yield per seed sown on Winchester estates 1211-1225 (p.305), and towns ranked by contribution to the urban aid of 1130 (p333) are presented among the 660 pages. Wow, what a resource for the dynamics of the time. 

      The Norman knight was generally considered the most powerful warrior of his day. The next text presents this topic with pages of colored examples taken from this period of time. Page after page the illustrations are displayed, a picture book of the day. Written by Christopher Gravett and David Nicolle and published by Osprey Publishing in 2006, writing this book, it would have been fun picking out all the images.

      The chapters on the Norman stone castle are extremely helpful trying to understand what it might have been to live in one. A chronology from 911 A.D. to 1287 A.D.  is outlined on pages 14-17. The principle of feudalism is discussed helping to understand this complicated topic. Just loved all the pictures.

      The references for this time period would not be complete without a book about Henry II. He began his reign 1155, and was the invader into Wales when my Jones surname family made its move to LLwyn-Ynn. The politics, government of England, the Church, and the Angevin commonwealth [those from Normandy] are discussed among its 669 pages. What a deal. By W.L. Warren, it was published 1973, Butler & Tanner Ltd, London. A little heavy reading, but using the index as a guide to the subject one seeks, pp.669-693, it provides a good source of knowledge. 

     There you have it, my many texts of the day used often to assist my understanding of a world in Crisis.
 

Home Base Summer and Winter

      Foundational to one's existence is the family. From pre-natal, natal, to infancy and early childhood, one begins to recognize and develop their own view of the environment that demands one's attention. The home is usually the place one starts to learn about their immediate surroundings. My ancestors, Jeuaf (JH-1) to Iorwerth Fychan (JG-1), moved their new townlands [in Welsh called tref ] to a place they called Llwyn-Onn. For many years this was believed to be one location in the Vale of Clwyd. A book by P. Thoresby Jones, published 1938, and titled Welsh Border Country, when discussing his travels through the Vale of Clwyd, p. 103, states "Leaving Llanfair D.C. (as it is familiarly called), the Wrexham road undulates to the head of the Vale, passing near half-way the gate of a long drive leading to the lovely though unfinished Elizabethan mansion of Llwyn Ynn...". Say What! Here it is spelled "Llwyn Ynn" and among my many other notes written "Llwyn Onn"? What you say... oh yes, a map is needed to check:

      Here is such a map. Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd is shown directly in the middle of the map in large letters at the top. The Llwyn-ynn Hall location is shown at the bottom of the image. "Llwyn-Ynn" it is. The road traveled and the gate described by old Thoresby in 1938 can be imagined. The map was taken from http://www.streetmap.co.uk in 2007. What's up with this?

      Digging around my selves of books (lots of books here), a tour guide titled Frommer's Scotland and Wales on $50 A Day, by Darwin Porter, published 1989, on page 532, gives the following under the topic 11. Wrexham, "Good accommodations is found at Llwyn Onn Hall (Ash Grove Hotel), Cefn Road, Wrexham, Clwyd...Named after the groves of ash that still grow around it, this historic home was originally built from 1702 to 1706...The establishment lies within 60 acres of grounds, about 1 1/2 miles east of the town center of Wrexham...". Another map is shown below.

      Llwyn-Onn here and, Llwyn-Ynn on the first map above. Two distinct places with the same meaning (translation) but, some 15 miles apart. Llwyn-Onn is on the eastern side of that big ditch called Offa's dyke, and Llwyn-Ynn is on the western side. Also remember that Wat's dyke runs right through Wrexham. [see posts March 23, 27, and 28, 2022].

      By this time it came to mind that the ancient Welsh had a summer home (hafod) and, winter home (hendref). The winter home was the main townland of the family (old settlement). It was generally considered the original settlement of their ancestors. Each kindred group had claim upon the arable land, the meadows, the woodlands, and the grazing lands. At the main home, plowing and planting took place. The summer home (May Day through July) was the grazing land for the herds. An article discussing the ancient ecclesiastical parish of Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd stated that the earliest evidence of human activity was the discovery of two stone axes of late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. A Bronze Age axe was found in about 1860 on land belonging to the Llwyn-ynn estate. Can you believe it??? My Celtic ancestors were losing things way back then! [article found 2006 at http://www.capt.org.uk]. Perhaps this is one of the reasons my Jones surname ancestors chose this name "Llwyn-Ynn (Onn) which was carried down through the family tree for generations. They were returning to home base for the summers and winters yet to come.

      P. S. Here is a figure of what a bronze age axe might have looked. Taken from The Story of The Isle of Man, Volume 1. The Earliest Time To 1406, by C.W. Airne, published 1949, p.21.

An Eyewitness Account

      For the genealogist, an item recorded during the corridor of time that is being researched is paramount to the reliability and accuracy of the information being collected. My families' time frame, Iorweth Fychan (JI-1), is 1175 A.D. +/- 10 years, when they moved to a new geographic location that was to begin a new era for those yet to come. [see last post "Of Llwyn-Onn"].  A fellow named Giraldus Cambrensis [better known as Gerald of Wales] recorded his personal trip around Wales taken during the year 1188 A.D. A text from the Latin was published by Penguin Classics, translated with an introduction by Lewis Thrope, in 2004. Thorpe first wrote his text in 1978. The cover of my copy follows.

      Gerald's own genealogy is given on page 11, and it would seem he was 75% Norman. How abouut that? On page 251 under ancient genealogy he writes:   "The Welsh esteem noble birth and generous descent above all things, and are therefore, more desirous of marrying into noble than rich families. Even the common people retain their genealogy, and can not only readily recount the names of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers, but even refer back to the sixth or seventh generation, or beyond them..."

      Sounds a lot like my post of August 18, 2023 which was taken from a Welsh genealogist, Nicholas, Vol. I, p. 355, written some 690 years later [see last post]. But hey, here is an eyewitness account.

Through The Ages: " Of Llwyn-Onn"

       Titles given to locations often have special meanings, especially to those who choose the name. My Jones surname ancestors selected a name that became a symbol for generations to come. Translated from the Welsh, it means "Ash Grove". Now to give an idea of the number of generations so tagged, the figure taken from a well-known Welsh genealogist is shown [Nicholas, Vol. I, p.355]. The generations that were to identify with this descriptor is shown by the red circle with pink marking. 

      Wow, just count the generations that followed Iorwerth Fychan (JI-1), who is described as being the first named as of Llwyn-Onn in the county of Denbighshire [p.354]. That's right, the next 15 generations!  There must have been something very special about this name and, a significant reason why it was passed down from one generation to the next for more than 250 years. Hum, let's see. First is the Ash tree.

      It looks like any other tree to me and, it was valued at the bottom of the lists for trees in the Welsh laws of the day [see post Well Stockaded of August 15th]. It certainly could be used as lumber, but an Oak tree would be much stronger. It could be used for firewood and, it is recognized as producing fewer sparks at the fireplace, but a grove of them.  A grove is defined as a small wood without under-brush and, why clean it out if you were only going to chop it down and burn it up? Got to be something else it would seem to my reasoning? What about a memory in song? Here are the words to an ancient Welsh song and, you know my Welsh ancestors loved to sing. Also, my Dad was the song leader for more than 50 years in the Church of Christ of my childhood. In those days, A cappella was the only way allowed to sing [see post of November 3rd, 2010].

                                                                                                                                                                            The words to an ancient Welsh song titled, The Ash Grove:

                            

                        "Down yonder green valley, where streamlets meander, when twilight is fading

                          I pensively rove or at the bright moontide in solitude wander, amid the dark

                          shades of the lonely ash grove; 'Twas there, while the blackbird was

                          cheerfully singing, I first met my dear one, the joy of my heart! Around us for

                          gladness, the bluebells were ringing. Ah! then little thought I how soon we

                          should part 

                          Still glows the bright sunshine o're valley and mountain,

                          still warbles the blackbird its notes from the tree; still trembles

                          the moonbeam on steamlet and fountain, but what are the beauties of nature

                          to me? 

                         With sorrow, deep sorrow, my bosom is laden, all day go mourning in search

                         of my love; Ye echoes, oh tell me, where is the sweet maiden?

                                            "She sleeps, 'neath the green turf down by the ash grove"

                   

   Seems like a song to remember through the ages down the branches of my Jones surname family tree.                                        

Chronology of Death

       Date of birth and, date of death are two events that every genealogist hopes to record correctly on each individual placed among the branches of their family tree. Now, recording only the date of death for each individual might be a little suspect as to the goals being utilized. However, the recorders of the earliest Welsh genealogist seem to give only dates of death. What is up with this, was often my thought, when climbing around the branches of some of the earliest generations of my own Jones surname family tree.

      To illustrate this phenomena, the following charts are drawn to show the first 400 years of Welsh kindred leadership as translated by Lloyd (see post July 6th, 2023). The districts of Gwynedd (Royal Tribe I) colored blue, Deheubarth (Royal Tribe II) colored green and, Powys (Royal Tribe III) colored orange, are represented by the squares drawn for each individual named by Lloyd pp. 273 - 277 titled "Genealogical Tables". Each chart is drawn in chronological order for ten year periods. Significant events are listed in yellow.  My family, from Tudor Trevor (JC-1) to Iorwerth (JI-1), are represented by the squares outlined in red. So, hold on to your seat belt and let's go, starting from 900 A.D.! 

      The first chart begins with the law giving years of Hywel Dda (EB-15) and end with his death 950 A.D. He died representing Deheuabarth (Square colored green), and his son-in-law Tudor Trevor (JC-1) had already died two years before. It was not until the sons of Hywel Dda (EB-15) began their own quest for recognition that the laws of cooperation began to decay. Folks from the north seem to battle against folks from their south trying to get their date of death into my chart. 

      Just after the start of the next 100 years [1039 A.D.], a fellow named Gruffudd ap Llywellyn (ED-28) made his own way upon the stage. He certainly made a distinct pathway around all the kin groups until his death in 1063 A.D. led by an individual named Harold II (M-39). This Harold has been portrayed often as "the last of the Saxons" [see page 494 in the book by Ashley discussed in post 20 Feb. 2023]. Now the walls of all came tumbling down after 1066 A.D. when those French speaking folks from across the Channel introduced William I (SD-7). You can certainly see the impact that this had upon all the dying, with Powys now coming into the charts along with all those green colored fellows. Cynrig (JF-1) was killed 1073 A.D. just about in the middle of all the other deaths.

       Henry I (O-3) [p. 508 Ashley], gave his debut the very start of the next 100 years. The death dates took their climb to new heights (n=33) almost totaling more than the first 400 years together. Jeuaf (JH-1) was given his name by its Norman spelling, and the death chronology shows why Iorwerth (JI-1) might have wanted to make the family's move to the hills [see last post]. The last chart to be shown starts in the year 1200 A.D.  These dates begin after the next in my family tree are to be named.

      You can see that the dates of death are at their highest number (n=38) after Henry III (SB-19) started his play in this dance of death. [Ashley p. 531] My ancestors are shown only by their code numbers at this point but, their names are yet to be listed. The Welsh genealogists began their kindred family trees starting around 1150 A.D. and, you can certainly see why it could be called a chronology of death.

A Contemporary View

      From the Vale of Dee, to the Vale of Clwyd, was the change of address that my Jones surname family most likely made during the reign of Henry II [1154 A.D.- 1189]. Previous posts have presented a number of reasons this move was made and, much more is to be discussed. However, few maps of this geographic area are available to show one of the major aspects of the day. The following image is one of the closest depictions of this area discovered to date, and it demonstrates the important aspects of this land's topography.

      Here you have it. The river Clwyd is center, passing through Ruthin, flowing down from the mountains that form a horseshoe shaped "ring of protection". One way in and one way out, what a catcher's mitt for Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd just a few miles south of Ruthin and, the future address for my family yet to be. It was the location for many generations to come. A contemporary view it is.

      Now just how many motte and bailey castles were placed about the land of Wales?  The following figure shows the distribution of the early castles modified from the fun book by AA/Wales titled history.spectacle.romance  Castles In Wales, published 1998, p. 15. The Vale of Clwyd is circled in red, and the river Clwyd is colored blue. Each black square is the location of a known castle of the motte and bailey type.

      Let's all head to these hills!
 

A Recap

       The branches of the family tree can get twisted and entwined fairly quickly. Starting from the top or, starting from the bottom of one's tree, an individual can get easily caught among the branches. For my own Jones surname family tree, starting from the top, i.e., from the earliest branches, the following figure is shown to help place the branches in my line of descent. From Gadforch (JA-1) to Jeuaf (JH-1), this group of great...grandfathers lived in the same geographic region (Vale of Dee) for their first eight generations. In the law books of Hywel Dda, a generation is defined as 30 years. On p. 112 it reads: 

                               "Law does not close between a person and his entitled land in a lesser period than three ancestor's lifetimes on each side, and that in peace. This is three ancestor's lifetimes: nine score years, three score years in each lifetime".

      This would be 240 years by the thoughts of the day.

      As given in the last post, the son of Jeuaf (JH1), Iorweth Fychan (JI-1) moved the family to a new location in the Vale of Clwyd. Llwyn Onn was its name and, much more will be given but, now it is a recap.

                  

Well Stockaded

       After the lance and the sword, the motte and bailey castle served as the straw that broke the camel's back. The first items listed above took the land of my ancestors and, the second kept the land. Well palisaded was the key word applied to these versatile-advanced fortifications. A palisade was a line of stout posts set firmly to form a defense. Each long, strong stake was to be pointed at the top and set close together. Anyway, the last post certainly commented on the amount of wood it must have taken to build. The woodlands around each castle must have been shaking in their boots [guess it should be their trunks] as each of their friends were chopped and tumbled to the ground. Now, of course, the occupiers dismantled all the standing structures around them made of wood which increased all the dismay among the local folks. Structures like the house [benches, lintels, side posts, doors, porches, rafters], cowhouse, sheepcote, pigsty, harvest house, and kiln would have all been dismembered. 

      The significance of this activity to my ancestor's heart is better understood looking into the accepted social norms of the day. "The Justices' Test Book", starting on page 141 and ending on page 210, describes how justice was to be determined among the kin groups of the day. [The law books are presented in the post of May 16, 2023] A host of relationships are discussed including 1. Homicide, 2. Theft, 3. Fire, 4. Value of Wild and Tame, and then, 5. Trees.  The issue of trees, p.188-190, is followed by 6. Houses, 7.  Equipment, 8. Human Body (p. 196), 9. Joint Ploughing and, 10. Corn Damage. Can you believe it, trees were placed between killings and plowing. 

      Compensation was the decision that was to be decided by the judges to all these issues of life.  The value of such items are given in pence, such as an oak tree was worth "six score pence". A scrub-oak was worth (bears no fruit) 24 pence. [pence = penny] A holy yew tree worth a pound. [1 pound = 100 pence] On page 189 it states:

      "Every tree which is planted for shelter is worth twenty-four pence to its owner, whether he plants it in gardens or as shelter for his house. Every tree which does not bear fruit, except a yew, is worth fourpence - such as an ash or an alder or a willow. ... The value of the trees goes to the owners of the woodland." 

       "Every builder on open land is entitled to have three timbers from him to whom the woodland belongs, whether the woodlander will or no: a roof-tree and two roof-forks."

    Now, an article by Dana Huntley in the 1997 March issue of "Special History Edition, British Heritage" p. 14, states a Celtic "Great Round House" for its construction would take 220 trees or roughly 16 tons of wood. Just think how many trees would be needed for a well stockaded motte and baily!

      The motte and bailey as it stood when my own Jones family visited the ancient townlands of the Vale of Dee in 1998 is shown. The motte stands the same as when it was built some 900 years past. Of course, the stone keep standing on the top, would have been of wood. How many pence would it have cost to the forefathers of the day? Their hearts would have been broken. But hey, it would have been well stockaded.

None May Survive

     Who are these guys? What in the world are they trying to do? Cutting down all the trees and making great mounds of earth, but for what? These, not so gentlemen, are taking all the wood around the place in order to build their bailiwicks! Also, pounds and pounds of dirt are all being piled into a big hump some 30-40 feet high. Then, on top of this mound of earth, they use all the cut wood to build a tower some 10 to 12 feet high just to look around the place. Next, they dig a deep dich around this mound, fill it with water, and let people come up to the tower at the top by one sloping ramp. At the bottom of this ramp, there is some funny looking gate that goes up and down over the water filled ditch seeming to be the front door. Not only this, they add a rectangular side area, also surrounded by wood and another ditch. This area is to house all the things they want to keep away from the resentful local folks who had just lost all they had to these dich diggers. Wow, life or death seem to be the only option for our family. What are we to do?

     Life and death circles us all. For my ancestors during this corridor of time, death would seem the closest circle. As it turns out, the next in direct line of descent from Jeuaf (JH-1) is his son Iorweth Fychan (JI-1) "Of Llwyn-Onn".  For the first time in the family tree a labeled "Of Llwyn-Onn" appears. It seems that the family made a move to a new homeland, after the first seven generations, to try and move the circle of life a little closer to the center. For my own understanding, the following figure was used to place all the locations in relationship to one another.

      From the Vale of Dee to the Vale of Clwyd, it was. As shown in the last post, the invasion plans of the Normans are outlined again in green. Thus, moving to the Dyffryn Clwyd area (colored orange) would place the family right between the two green arms (north and the south branches) of the Norman invasion. It would be about the safest place to hide out in the hills looking in this window of time. The name Llwyn Onn means Ash Grove. What a deal! Even to remember all those trees being lost to these new folks who are here to stay. To move this generation is so that some may survive.

      The following diagram places Iorwerth Fychan (JI-1) [fychan means the younger or smaller] in the family tree.

 

Web Of Conflict

       The strife that one family may face day to day varies along the hallways of time. For my own Jones family during the days that are being discussed [1055-1100 A.D.], the difficulties were vast and threating to life itself. The Normans had made their way to the border lands and, demonstrated their own desires to conquer the homeland. A complex network of invasions took place and, as shown in the last post, the family united all the branches by marriage, in order to try and defend the kindred. The following figure tries to show the pathways that the Normans had in mind.

      In the north, the Earl of Chester pushed his way into the homeland of my Celtic ancestors the Deceangli and, in the south, the Earl of Herefore headed toward the land of the Silures. Now right in the middle was the Earl of Shrewsbury, who aimed his forces toward Oswestry and the Vale of the Dee. This approach would involve Trevor [birth place of Tudor Trevor (JC-1)], Selattyn [land of Dingad (JD-3) and his son Rhiwallon (JE-1)], Oswestry and Whittington [associated with the family], and the land of Maelor [tribe by this name] founded by Tudor Trevor (JC-1) himself. Before this time Rhys Sais (JG-4) had been killed [1070 A.D.] and my Cynrig (JE-1) followed close behind [killed 1073 A.D.]. Ninnian (JG-1) had named his son Jeuaf (JE-1) [the Norman-French way]. Jeuaf (JE-1) was now having his family which was about to change the location of the family. Wow, what a web of conflict it was. 

Figure modified from The Jones Genealogist, March/April, No. 6, 1993, p.3.

Networking

       The more numerous the family becomes as one climbs out all the branches, the more difficulty arises sorting through all the leaves. You can certainly imagine if you add all this Welsh language stuff, as well as the surname Jones, you might not want to start climbing this tree altogether. Anyway, during this junction of all the languages and, facing the threat of Norman invasion from all sides [starting after 1066 A.D.], you might want to link-up with all the branches of the family. The following figure shows the descendants of Cynwrig (JF-1) doing exactly the same. The branches of all three sons of Tudor Trevor (JC-1); Gronwy (JD-1), Llydocka (JD-2) and, Dingad (JD-3) [my Jones branch of the family], all joined hands at this point in time. 

      Now let's look. Cynwrig (JF-1) was slain in 1073 A.D. and surprising enough, old Rhys Sais (JG-4) was slain in 1070 A.D. By the time of his death, he had married a daughter of Cynwrig (JF-1) and she was a sister to my line of descent Ninnan (JG-1). Can you believe it, Rhys Sais (JG-4) was the son-in-law of Cynwrig (JF-1). No wonder his sons did all the fighting in 1081 A.D. for their father, and grandfather, were slain pretty much at the same time period and by the same folks. Then, the grandson of Cynwrig (JF-1) married Eva (JH-18) who was linked to the oldest son of Tudor Trevor (JC-1) through the line of Ethelystan Glodrydd (JF-6). All three branches of the family brought together...wow, networking indeed.  

P.S. Poor Eva (JH-18) was the 18th individual discovered in this generation of ancestors. As time moves down my family tree, the higher the number coded, the longer in duration it took to find this person among the branches.

The Great Conjunction

       Different languages coming together at the same time and the same place can produce difficulties in talking and understanding one another. The dominate tongue of choice and influence will even affect the naming of children. As stated in the last post, the Norman-French vogue helped name one of my great...grandfather Jeuaf (JH-1) and, began a number of changes to the family. To help demonstrate the languages of the day, the following table is shown giving a comparison of the common words of life.

     Birth, baby, infant, and child are all common words used in the events of life. The words are shown for each language of this time and, can be compared to the English spellings. Man what a deal! Note the Welsh spellings for each word. Tongue twisters all compared to Latin, French, Greek, and Anglo-Saxon.  Now think how to name your child? My family used Jeuaf (JH-1) [no "J" in the Welsh language] or, maybe it was the ones recording the records of the day. Anyway, the next diagram shows old Jeuaf (JH-1) fitting into my Jones surname family tree.

      Wow...my great conjunction.

 

A Shout Out

      Just wanted to say "Hi y,all" from the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Many folks from around the world have visited the blog. If you have questions, corrections, or comments, please use the comment section at the bottom of the post. Hello to Singapore, France, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, Russia, Cambodia, and United Kingdom. The Jones Genealogist. 

P.S. Also, of course, all the folks from my home country the United States.

Being In Vogue

       Since the earliest days, the human voice has become the vehicle for human thought. Multiple thoughts lead to sounds which are transmitted to the human tympanic membrane and, if understood appropriately, a response is generated back to the sender. If enough folks agree to the sounds being transmitted among themselves, a group think is generated which brings these people together. After time, a language is born producing a recognizable marker to all around. Being part of the cultural glue that clusters folks together, it signals their presence and identity.

      My Celtic ancestors brought their sounds to the Island and, over time the Brythonic branch of the Celtic tongue started bouncing off those ear drums. When the Romans arrived, they brought Latin. Understanding these different sounds were necessary in order to survive their occupation. However, Greek was the language of the Roman elite, including the fellow who built that huge stone wall. It was during this Roman occupation that the monasteries formed at various places around the Island. They recognized that maybe writing things down would be good including Latin [for communication], Kione Greek [for spiritual things] and the vernacular language [for other thoughts]. 

      When Roman society left the Island, the clergy kept education alive and, gave a sense of community. This monasterial stability provided structure to the many remaining kindred groups that clustered around the same sound waves. The languages of the day became distinctive markers for many geographic areas. The following diagram shows the names given to the cluster groups.

      Now, you can certainly imagine the confusion and conflicts that my Celtic ancestors encountered when you add the Irish, Scots, Picts [all that Q-Celtic], all those Mercians with Offa and his Dyke [rex Anglorum ], and all those Danes and the Swedes [y Kenedloed Duon , i.e. Black Gentiles]. Polyglot Island at this time should have been the name. 

       The naming of a son often carried the impact that one of these visitors had on the name.  An example such as my ancestor Rhys Sais (JG-4) who was identified as knowing well the Saxons [soon to be called the English]. My Jones family townlands were on both sides of the Dee right between Welsh Maelor and the English Maelor. Old Rhys Sais (JG-4) must have spent a lot of time on both sides of this fence. [ Please see the recent posts of June 22 and June 28 for a view of this relationship].

 

     Finally, all the above discussion is posted to mark the significant naming of my 8th generation grandfather down from the top.  Jeuaf (JH-1) was his name. The Normans have arrived bringing a new language called French. Anyone wishing to survive this sound wave, had to join the new social elite who started building all those castles.  They certainly were not going anywhere else anytime soon. 

Now, Jeuaf (JH-1) caught my attention because the Welsh language did not use the letter "J". The new French language used this letter often. Therefore, this new and different sound wave must of had some influence at this time in the Welsh naming process. I guess the family decided to join this new social wave, and French was the language of the day. Thank you Ninnian (JG-1) and Jeuaf (JH-1) for being in the vogue. 

P.S. The spelling also was written Ievan (Ieva), so it must have depended on who was doing the writing. It is my guess that to the future English eardrum, the spelling Evan was born.

      

Ninnian (JG-1)

       Moving on down the family tree, the 7th generation grandfather is named Ninnian (JG-1). He is the first grandfather down from the top to have nothing listed connecting his name to a title of some sort or another. Of course my curiosity would wonder why, and it took some time to reach a reasonable explanation. 

       Hum...here goes. Of course the spelling occurs in different ways with Ninnan, Ninian, and Nynia all being an option. The earliest found, spelled Ninian, was a monk who was contemporary to that famous Martin of Tour around 432 A.D. As a monk, Ninnan founded Whithorn, which was one of the earliest missionary bases on the Island. He became known as the Apostle to the Picts, and would certainly have had his work cut out for him. Wow, to be named after one of the first monks to be moving about the Celtic folks of the day would certainly have a reason. Since Tudor Trevor's (JC-1) brother, Ynyr Frych (JC-3), was tagged as a Bishop of  Abbey Dore (see post 25th April, 2023), the family certainly had interest in this line of work. To name your son after a monk must have generated a lot of discussion among the ranks while growing into manhood. Perhaps, this was a family's wish for future activities? 

      Here is a figure which places Ninnian (JG-1) into the family tree. He had three sons of his own and, the name of a monk does not appear on down the branches.

      P.S. The references for the discussion above is Latourette p 344 (see post 30 Sept., 2022), Butler's Lives pp. 371-373 (see post 15 Aug.,2022), and my research notebook titled Celtic Saints RN#9.

By Any Other Name

          After the place of your birth or, after a famous and well known individual or, after a recognized geographic landmark or, after the year you were slain...say what...the year you were slain? Who would want to be remembered upon the pages of history for the year you were slain? Well, most of the first six generations of my Jones surname family tree had all of the above.

      Tudor Trevor (JC-1) was named after his place of birth. Ynyr (JB-1) was named after a well know Celtic name and, Rhiwallon (JE-1) was named after a rock formation. These names are all so well remembered. It is my 6th generation grandfather down from the top, that seems to be remembered upon the pages of history by the year he was slain, 1073! Say what...was my thinking. The events of the day must have been important for those in the family who wanted to remember such an activity.

      Well let's see. Life and death was certainly on top of the list. Lots of folks were knocking at the family's door from all kinds of different directions (see last post). The in-laws of Tudor Trevor (JC-1) had kept the family in some kind of feuding along the way until 1063 when a fellow named Harold came knocking. Under his wings, he placed new family members in charge of the household. These brothers were named Bleddyn ap Cynfyn and Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn. They needed to swear their faithfulness to Edward The Confessor, who at this time was overlord to Harold. Can you believe it, my grandfather was named Cynwrig (JF-1) ap Rhiwallon (JE-1) and not Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn. To add to the confusion, some spelled this name Cynrig, Cynfrn, Cynan, or Cynfyn. Now, if that old Harold's visit was not enough, a new set of busy pioneers and colonist arrived in 1066 to completely move the furniture around in the house. New bullies named "Earls" claimed Shrewsbury in 1069 and Chester in 1070.  During the battle of Mechin, 1070, Rhiwallon ap Cynfyn was killed, and some years later his brother Bleddyn ap Cynfyn was slaughtered in 1075. Right between these two fellows, my grandfather Cynwrig (JF-1) ap Rhiwallon (JE-1) ap Dingad (JD-3) was slain, 1073. 

      By this time you might guess that there is much more to the story and, if interested in exploring these pathways of time, the text by J.E. Lloyd covers all the bases. It was first published in 1911 and, paints a very clear picture of the events of the day pp. 1-26. The cover of my copy is shown.

      This edition was published by Barnes & Noble Books, 2004.

P.S. The son of Cynwrig (JF-1), Ninnian (JG-1) in 1073 was too young to swing the family's sword, so a little later in 1081, the sons of a cousin Rhys Sais (JG-4), at the battle of Mynydd Cam, helped keep the family standing. [Lloyd per above, p. 21] Interestingly, Rhys Sais (JG-4) had a son named Bleddyn (JH-4) who would have named his son after Bleddyn ap Cynfyn who was slain in 1075. It must have been a family thing in 1081. But hey, family survival by any other name was priority.

       The following figure places all the family members in relationship to one another around this time in the pathway of history. [from RN#224]