Carnarvon

This northwestern most part of Wales was first known as Arfon.  This meaning over against, or near, the island of Mon (Anglesey).  Caer' narfon thus meaning the stronghold (fort) in Arfon.  Snowdon (3,471 ft.) rises quickly from the shore giving a natural boundary to this land.

The earliest JONES is dated 1538 - 1544.  The case is found in bundle 1016/ No. 49.  The suit is in the name of Sampson Jones of London, but listed as the son and heir of Humphrey Jones.  The Plaintiff (s) is listed as Richard ap Evan ap Davy, clerk.   The reason is "detention of deeds relating to land in Arduddaye & elsewhere".  It would seem that Sampson Jones had moved to London (usually a step to represent the family's interest/business/trade), and his (most likely) relative, questioned part of the inheritance.  Certainly a never ending story it is.

The following figure shows the geographic position of Carnarvon.

 A detailed history and discussion of Carnarvon can be found in Annals and Antiquities of The Counties and County Families of Wales, by Nicholas, Vol. I, pp. 309 - 364.

The surname JONES is found next 1558 [Richard Jones and Margaret , bundle 100/ no. 38] and continues at a steady pace from this period of records. [ 1558 - 1579 ]

JONES Monmouth and Carnarvon 1538-1544

The JONES surname expands to Monmouth and Carnarvon beginning 1538.  Sampson Jones is the first to be recorded in the Carnarvon  legal records 1538-1544. [1016/49]  Now remember, these were English records being established in Welsh counties. 

A Hugh Jones appears in the same set of legal records [1016/59 ] for Monmouth 1538-1544.  This would be just after the Act of Union 1536, and probably represents the earliest application of this new English system to the Welsh.

The map above shows the location of Carnarvon in the north, and Monmouth in the south of Wales. [pink]  Monmouth being the adjacent county to Glamorgan [blue] which recorded the first JONES surname in Wales.  Interestingly, Carnarvon is the first county in the north to record a JONES surname.  This county was a strategic location to control the Welsh in north Wales.  Any other thoughts regarding this set of facts, please post.

From: Lists and Indexes, No. LI., List of Early Chancery Proceedings, Vol. III., Public Record Office.  The numbers [1016/59] records the file no., followed by folio (page) number of the case.  Research by The Jones Genealogist, and published in previous issues.