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.
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