Early Welsh Descendants

The earliest descendants of Tudor Trevor(JC-1) are given in the previous three posts. Three sons and a daughter begin this descent. Gronwy(JD-1), the eldest, has a daughter as sole heir, and this line begins the family of Elystan Glodrydd(JF-6) one of the Royal Tribes of Wales. The senior line then moves to the second son Llydocka(JD-2), who's daughter marries Ednowan Bendew(JE-8). This begins another Welsh tribal group which has frequent descendants. Llydocka's son Llywarch gam(JE-4) becomes the head of the senior branch, taking the arms of Tudor Trevor(JC-1). The baby son, Dingad(JD-3), has a son Rhiwallon(JE-1), who begins his family's descent taking a different arms for distinction from the senior branch. In Burke, p.884, this is given as: "Rywallon (Rywallow ap Dyngad ap Tudor-Trevor, Lord of Bromfield, co. Denbigh). Erm. a lion ramp. sa." The lion rampant was the principle charge(image)(symbol) for both, but the tinctures(colors) were different. This puzzled me for many years until I was able to get some understanding of the use of arms in this time period. At any rate, the son of Dingad(JD-3), Rhiwallon(JE-1), has a different arms recorded, and is used by some of the descendants of Rhiwallon(JE-1). At later dates, the arms of Tudor Trevor(JC-1) is claimed by some branches of Dingad(JD-3), thus generating some confusion among the lineages. In summary to this point, my direct JONES line from Gadforch(JA-1) is:

Gadforch(JA-1)
Ynyr(JB-1)
Tudor Trevor(JC-1)
Dingad(JD-3) [The boys color coded blue.]
Rhiwallon(JE-1)
Cynrig(JF-1), slain 1073 A.D.

The Boys in Blue

Dingad(JD-3), the baby boy of Tudor Trevor(JC-1) is the line that my JONES surname descends. His linage is colored "blue" and is shown in the family tree which displays all the children of Tudor. As late as 1584, the land of Dingad(JD-3) is recorded. It is in the records of the Hanmer family of Pentrepant, Shropshire, that a field called "Eryn Dingad and the mountain there" is recorded. This land is near Selattyn-Porkington, which continues to be an area of my JONES family down through the generations. [Shropshire Archives:Catalogue Ref. 894 and 1144/ ref.1144/9- 23 November 1584.] Selattyn [frequently called Porkington] is a strategic location just about equal distance between the River Dee and the River Severn. It is in the middle of the small land bridge which allows access to the mountains. Head north and you gain access to the mouth of the Dee (trade to the north lands). Head south and you gain access to the mouth of the Severn, an access to the channel. Just a few miles away was the large hill fort "Old Oswestry" and the southern most anchor to the family's land.

The son of Dingad(JD-3), Rhiwallon(JE-1) receives a great deal of attention as "Lord of Bromfield". Bromfield is a latter name for the Welsh Maelor, which was family's land from Gadforch(JA-1). Rhiwallon's son Cynrig(JF-1), has his death date recorded in many of the early records [1073 A.D.] It is his death that leads to a lot of family retribution and conflict. Much more to come.

The Orange Side of The Family

The second son of Tudor Trevor(JC-1) is Llydocka(JD-2). His lineage has been color coded "orange" and any figure [square or circle] from this point onward colored orange, will be of this descent. The granddaughter of Llydocka(JD-2), named Gweyrl(JE-7), marries a Ednowain Bendew(JE-8). This Ednowain is credited with founding the XIII(13th) Noble Tribe of Wales. On page 438 of Nicholas [Vol. I], is described that "Bendew" means "thick-headed" or "stupid". I suspect this carries the connotation of stubbornness, but I know that thick-headed certainly runs in our family. In Burke, p. lxv., is recorded:

"Ednowian Bendew, Lord of Tegaingle, A.D. 1079, Founder of the XIII Noble Tribe. Ar. a chev. betw. three boars' heads couped sa."

Tegeingl(Tegaingle) is the district between Rhuddlan, Caerwys, Flint, and Holywell. (see Nicholas, Vol. I, p.438.)

The linage of Llydocka(JD-2) has a large number of associated family surnames. Trying to keep all this straight will be a task, but careful tree climbing will be a help. The figure to the right again shows the six generations from Gadforch(JA-1).

The Children of Tudor Trevor

There were four children of record giving distinct lines from the life of Tudor Trevor. Gronwy (JD-1) was the oldest male, but daughtered out in the next generation.[This means that his line became a maternal line.] A daughter was Ardryn (JD-4). Tudor's second son was Llydocka (JD-2) who married Angharad (JD-6) and gave rise to a great number of future Welsh families. His baby boy was Dingad (JD-3) who married Sysli(Cicely)(JD-7) and gave rise to my JONES family. It was through this baby boy that my Y-DNA was passed.

The figure to the right is my drawing of the start of this family tree. Five generations are shown. At the top is Gadforch (Kadfarch)(JA-1). The numbers are the references to this individual in the records present in the last post. The number (1) is Dwnn, the number (2) is Nicholas, and the number (3) is Burke. Near each name on the family tree is the list of reference from which the family as been pieced together. Starting with the children of Tudor Trevor, a color code is used the help separate the children's descendents. Pink is Gronwy (JD-1). Yellow is Llydocka (JD-2). Blue is Dingad (JD-3). This color code will also be used to help keep straight the various family lines as they evole. This is only the beginning!

Take a Deep Breath

By now, many of those reading these post would certainly question "how in the world" could anyone claim such a family tree. I have asked myself that very question on many occasions. Each family member has been carefully traced and documented. The major documents for this early part of my JONES family tree are to be found in the following references:

1)Dwnn, Lewys, Heraldic Visitations of Wales and Part of the Marches. Published by for the Welsh MSS. Society, 1846. Genealogies are recorded between the years 1586 to 1613 and transcribed from the original manuscripts by Samuel Meyrick. This reference has been republished, 2005, by Bridge Books, 61 Park Avenue, Wrexham. It is in two volumes, and hereafter referred to as Dwnn.

2)Nicholas, Thomas, Annals and Antiquities of The Counties and County Families of Wales. These records are stated to have been compiled by direct visitation of the counties of Wales, and from reliable and original sources. It was first published in London, 1872. It is in two volumes and has been reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1991. Hereafter referred to as Nicholas.

3)Burke, Bernard, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. First published, London, 1884. Hereafter referred to as Burke.

There are a great number of additional reference taken from The Patent Rolls of England, Anglo-Saxon Charters, The Public Record Office of England, and the Archives of England, and multiple other sources. These will be given as they present themselves through my family members on the Welsh and English side. So take a deep breath, and follow me through the family tree of Tudor Trevor. I will used the coding system presented in a previous post, and start with the children of Tudor Trevor.

Both Maelors

Whittington and both Maelors are given as the home land of Tudor Trevor beginning with his grandfather. Whittington was discussed in the last post, and this post is my attempt to show the general geographic location of the Maleors. This area is considered a part of the Kingdom of Powys that had its origins in the period following Roman withdrawal. Powys extended over present day Shropshire and a large part of mid-Wales. The Royal Seat (capital) was called Pengwern (a name that recurs in our family). The actual location of this capital is open to discussion, some believing it was originally located at present day Shrewsberry. At any rate, the area became a borderland, first between the Anglo-Saxons (part conquered by Mercians from 655 A.D., and then the Normans starting after 1066 A.D.) "Both Maelors" refer to the fact that Maelor soon became divided between those who wanted it (the Mercians), and those who occupied it (my Jones family). Divided by the river Dee, the southwestern part became known as "Maelor Saesneg" [The English Maelor], and the northwestern became known as "Maelor Gymraeg" [The Welsh Maelor]. Wrexham was the key center of Maelor Gymraeg, and becomes a major center of our Jones family. The figure to the right is my attempt to show a rough area of Maelor (in red) and the location of Whittington and Oswestry. North to south, along the Watt's Dyke, from Oswestry to north of Wrexham, my Jones family lived. Much more to come.

Anglo-Saxon Charter

From Beli mawr to Vortigern there were 10 generations. [ca. 50 B.C. - 400 A.D.] From Vortigern to Tudor Trevor there were 16 generations. [ca. 400 A.D. - 900 A.D.] These generations were given in Dwnn as discussed in previous posts. It took more than 20 years to connect the generations between Tudor Trevor and me!

The grandfather of Tudor Trevor was Cadforch, identified as being from Whittington and both Maelors. His father Ynyr was married to Rheingar the daughter of Lluddoca of South Wales. Historically, this time period in Welsh history was when South Wales ultimately unified most of Wales under the Welsh King named Hywell Dda. A daughter of Hywell Dda became the wife of Tudor Trevor. Tudor Trevor is identified in the annals of history 28 May 934 A.D. signing with his father-in-law a Saxon Charter. This was done at Winchester referenced in MSS:BL Cotton Aug. ii. 65 (s.x., BM Facs, iii. 5) This document can be viewed at Anglo-Saxons.net S 425 and in the Latin reads:
"Ego Teowdor . subregulus . consensi . et subscripsi."

When roughly translated: I Tudor, under ruler, give my concent (agreement) and sign this document (willingly).

It is unbelievable to me that as a genealogist, there is a signature from my grandfather of 943 A.D.!

Associated Surnames

There are many associated family surnames being descendants of Tudor Trevor. This is a common occurrence among Welsh genealogy which often produces very different surnames, but are actually descended from a common ancestor. My JONES surname is descended through the youngest son of Tudor Trevor. Two other older brothers also had multiple descendants. The following surnames are given as an example of this phenomena. The references are taken from Dwnn:

Broughton - Dwnn, Vol. II, p. 315.

Lloid (Lloyd) - Dwnn, Vol. II, p. 23, p. 347, p. 362.

Moiston (Mostyn) - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 307-309.

Trevor - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 328-329, p.317-318.

Edwards - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 327-328.

Dymock - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 314.

Young - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 315.

Pennant - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 305.

Eytyn - Dwnn, Vol.II, p 358.

Eyton - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 357-358.

Eton - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 360, p. 362.

By marriage:

Hanmer - Dwnn, Vol.II, p. 311-312.

Pilson (Pulston) - Vol.II, p. 150-151.

Salsberi (Salesbury) - Vol.II, p. 330-332.

Wow, what a list of surnames. More to come!

Tudor Trevor

My first encounter with the name Tudor Trevor was in the early 1990s in a reference titled: "Annals and Antiquities of The Counties and County Families of Wales", by Thomas Nicholas. It was first published London, 1872 and reprinted by the Genealogical Publishing Co., 1991. It has served me well in my Welsh genealogical research particularly for my surname JONES. There are at least 32 JONES families listed in the index. The JONES surname was connected to the TREVOR surname among several families, and this became the starting point for many of my tree climbing branches. Extensive information is given on several TREVOR family groups on pages 395-396, Vol.I; p. 411, Vol.I; pp. 415-416, Vol.I; pp. 456-457, Vol.I; and the most detailed connected to the surname JONES pp. 354-356, Vol.I. This reference started me on many adventures.

A second reference used frequently in my JONES family research was discovered on the self of a rare book store. It is entitled: "The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales..." by Sir Bernard Burke. It was first published in 1884. The JONES surname is found on pp. 546-549, with 108 Jones families listed. On page 1035 is found:

"Tudor Trevor (Lord of Hereford, Whittington, and both Maelors; founder of the Tribe of the Marches, surnamed TREVOR, from the place of his birth, co. Denbigh, son of YNYR AP CADFORCH, Lord of Whittington and both Maelors, in Powys, by RHEINGAR, his wife, dau. and heir of LLUDDOCA AP CARADOC VREICHFRAS, Lord of Hereford, in South Wales."

Little did I know that after more than 20 years of genealogical research, this would be the source of my Y-chromosome. Much more to come.

Straddling The Fence

From the passing of Vortigern around 480 AD, until the arrival of Tudor Trevor around 900 AD, there was a great deal of change in the home of our grandfathers. The Saxons by their military conquest and colonization, drove the Britons who did not want to comply into the highest parts of the island. The most western part of the island is shown in the picture to the right. The green areas roughly shows the land above 600 feet. This land then rose rapidly to peaks of 3560 feet in the northwest, following a central ridge to 2906 feet in the south central area. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, and two rivers on the other, this rock and water world became the home to our Jones family. The two rivers almost joined on the eastern side, but had a narrow land bridge which connected the more fertile plans to the east and the limestone ridges to the west. This land bridge became the battle ground for many during this 400 year period.

The Welsh language had its beginning during the years 500 AD - 600 AD. It became a distinctive branch of the Brythonic language tree separating from the Irish and Scottish tongues. Understanding the geography of the land helps one understand the multiple tribal divisions that occurred during this time period. This land produced a large number of isolated pockets of settlements which were able to survive among the rugged terrain. One of these tribal groups became our Jones family.

By 600 AD the Saxons were knocking on the door. They built their first fence called Watt's Dyke sometime during this period. It began at Oswestry Old Fort and extended north to provide a boundary and cattle fence. As time will tell, this fence straddles much of the land that became our Jones family land. As during the Roman occupation, our family must have maintained a trade business between the two cultures. We survived, and we must have managed to walk this fence.

Infamous

Infamous Vortigern. What more can one say. Manuscripts published around the time that Tudor Trevor was born ca. 900 AD, continued the accounts of Vortigern. A Welsh manuscript translated by William Cooper contains more stories about grandfather Vortigern. This manuscript, written in Welsh, first sets the stage:

"And when Constantine was dead, there arose a great dispute amongst the nobles of the realm concerning the election of a new king. Some wished to have Ambrosius for their king, but others were swayed towards Uther, whilst yet others wished to make one of their own friends be king."

Constantine III was proclaimed emperor in Britain 407AD and led a revolt against central Rome authority. He ruled from Arles, and Britain revolts from his claims around 409AD. He falls 411AD, thus completely ending any Roman rule in Britain. It was after this year, that the "nobles of the realm" met to discuss what was to be done.

The manuscript continues:

"But at the last, when no agreement could be reached between them, there came Vortigern before them. And he was one of the elders of the land of Britain whose wisdom was deemed the highest."

As far as I know, this is the best words that any of the writers had to say about Vortigern. A wise elder of the land! From this point all else is down hill. Vortigern is given credit for setting up one of the sons of Constantine as the new king. He then gets the Picts to kill this new king because he (Vortigern) really wanted to be king himself. He then leaves the Picts to their own blame who get hung by those Britons who blame Vortigern. This action then excited the Picts to take vengeance upon the Britons, who then need the Saxons to help fight the Picts. When the Saxons succeed, the Britons then rebelled against the Saxons and Vortigern, led by the very sons of Vortigern. This throws Vortigern out of power, only to return after his eldest son is killed by poison from the hand of Vortigern's Saxon wife. The Saxons and Vortigern return to power, only to have the Saxons drive Vortigern to the western most part of the island...where the world ends!

Wow, sounds like one of those soap operas on afternoon T.V. At any rate, when Tudor born at a small hamlet called Trevor (Trefor) around 900 AD came into this world, you might understand how the family would not want to advertise that they were a direct descendant from this Benedict Arnold of the Welsh world!

The Welsh manuscript is called "Brut y Bryttaniait", "The Chronicle of the Early Britons". It is found at Jesus College MS LXI. An annotated translation is given by William R. Cooper MA, Phd, ThD. The story of Constantine III is given in the text by Peter Salway, "The Oxford Illustrated History of Roman Britain", starting p. 303.