This thesis is a study of the life and work of Edmund Jones, one of the leading dissenters and Independents of the eighteenth century. The first chapter, the introduction, discusses the reasons why Edmund Jones was ignored in the past, and argues that he was in fact an important figure in the eighteenth century and deserves proper recognition by historians. In the second chapter we have an overview of Edmund Jones's life in general. His background in Monmouthshire and the influences on his life are considered. The third chapter concentrates on Edmund Jones as a religious figure. His importance as a minister and preacher and his activity in Independency are analysed. Also, the substantial library Edmund Jones compiled during his lifetime and his relationships with other denominations, such as the Methodist and Baptists, are discussed. The fourth chapter considers Edmund Jones's contribution as a historian and naturalist. The main focus of this chapter is the book Edmund Jones wrote about Aberystruth, his native parish: 'A Geographical, Historical and Religious Account of the Parish of Aberystruth in the County of Monmouth' [1779]. Also, Edmund Jones cultivated an interest in botanical medicine and so attention is here given to the manuscript he wrote on the religious meaning of plants 'A Spiritual Botanology' [1780]. The subject of the fifth chapter is Edmund Jones 'the Old Prophet'. Edmund Jones believed unshakably in the existence of spirits and in the supernatural. This chapter is based on his best known book 'A Relation of Apparitions of Spirits in the Principality of Wales' [1780]. In the last chapter, the conclusion, Edmund Jones's contribution as a religious figure and author are analysed. It reveals that Edmund Jones's indefatigable life's work for his cause indeed needs to be recognised by historians. The argument of this thesis is to restore Edmund Jones's place within the history of the period, not only within congregationalism and religion but within Welsh history itself in the eighteenth century. This is argued on the basis of the immense value of Edmund Jones's productions to help historians to understand popular religion on and culture.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:251366 |
| Date | January 2001 |
| Creators | James, Carol |
| Publisher | Open University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://oro.open.ac.uk/58182/ |
Page generated in 0.0115 seconds