Edward Jones (March 1752 – 18 April 1824) was a Welsh harpist, bard, performer, composer, arranger, and collector of music. He was commonly known by the bardic name of "Bardd y Brenin" (The King's Bard), which he took in 1820 when his patron King George IV came to the throne. Jones was born in Llandderfel, near Bala, and is remembered for his three-volume work, the Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards. He first came to London in 1775, and was patronised by prominent Welshmen and by Charles Burney. He played in the Bach-Abel concerts (established by Johann Christian Bach and Carl Friedrich Abel) which were London’s first subscription concert series, started in 1765. He became harp tutor to several wealthy families, and in about 1790 was made Harp-Master to the Prince of Wales. In 1805 Jones moved into the Office of the Robes in St James's Palace. Jones suffered significant financial difficulties in his later life and, as well as seeking loans, was forced to sell some of his collection. The remainder of his library was sold at auction the year following his death.

Works

Three of his published works include frontispieces by Thomas Rowlandson.

Sources