Edward I

Throughout my years of tree climbing (53 years and counting), Edward I is perhaps the one figure that seems to have impacted Wales more than any other English monarch.   His life spanned from 1239 - 1307 AD.  Between the years 1276 and 1296, he built (or inspired the building) of roughly 17 castles in Wales.  Edward was obviously determined that his military activity in Wales would last a very long time.

This book by Michael Prestwick, is an expert analysis (manuscript sources given) of this period in the Middle Ages.  My copy is a bit smudged and a little worn since its publishing by Yale University Press 1997.  He remains a controversial figure, and even much hated by some folks. [William Wallace fans especially!]   He certainly had impute into the beginning of Parliament and its early development.  It was his conquest of Wales that was to effect my own family tree.

The book is 618 pages, and can be used as a reference source for primary documents.  It is also good reading if you like in depth knowledge of the culture and society which moved about during this period of time.

The book was first published in Great Britain in 1988 by Methuen London Ltd.  This edition was published by Yale University Press in 1997.

Readings, References and Resources

Over the past several decades, I have spent a fair amount of time climbing my family tree.  With a surname like JONES you can imagine what sort of branches I have had to navigate.  There have been a lot of readings, references and resources that have been a tremendous help along the way.  It is the purpose of this blog to present the things [readings, references and resources]  that have helped me get a littler further along the limbs.  It might have been a reading, a particular reference, or a certain type of resource that helped breakdown the barriers that presented themselves.  [Called "brick walls" by some genealogist.]  For those who might find these genealogy "bread crumbs" helpful, I will leave a few to be found along the trail.  Genealogy for generations...that have been...are in the present...and yet to come, my three Rs...readings, references and resources.

One of the readings that has providing a great deal of insight into my Welsh ancestry is the text called "A History of Wales", by John Davis.  It is well written...easy to read...and chronologically presented.  For those of us with a Welsh ancestry [living outside of Wales], it is a good read and excellent reference for those interested in getting a basic grasp of Wales.

Paviland to Wales since 1939 is presented.  John Davies is from the Department of Welsh History, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth.  It was first published in Welsh, 1987, with an English translation 1992.   My copy is well worn.  My first bread crumb..."Hansel and Gretel" would be proud.