Riding The Fence

      Amazement, wonder, and gratitude are things that continue to motivate me as this tree climbing experience opens many windows to past generations. Starting from around 800 A.D., is no small vista. Original documents from the same time period being explored provide assurance that your not climbing out the wrong tree limb. For Tudor Trevor (JC-1), son-in-law to Hywel Dda, documents exist that were recorded during their lifetime. But first, let me give you some context. The following cover is one set of these types of documents.

      The Anglo-Saxons certainly had a bit to say during the lifetime of both of these fellows listed above.  On page 119 of this text, translated and collated by Anne Savage, The date stated is 927 A.D., and it is recorded: "...King Aethelstan received the kingdom of Northumbria, and all the kings on this island were brought under his rule: first Hywel, king of the West Welsh; Constantine, king of the Scots, Uwen, king of the people of Gwent...".

      Under the rule of the Saxons since 927 A.D. is clearly the context for the son-in-law of Hywel Dda, Tudor Trevor (JC-1). The formal word for this rule is suzerainty, meaning overlordship but, it still allowed for each vassal state to have authority over its own internal affairs. It would likely be during this time frame that Tudor (JC-1) married Anghard (JC-2) and began their own family located geographical between the Welsh and Saxons. Welsh Maelor was northwest and, the English Maelor was southeast. Riding the fence even at this early date for my Jones surname family, somehow, was to continue as an exercise for generations yet to be.  

P.S. Mike Ashley in his book British Kings & Queens page 472 states that Athelstan was "King of the English, 17 July 924-27 October 939." [see post dated 20th February, 2022] The book cover shown above is from Savage, A., The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, Crescent Books, N.Y., 1995.