Edward Jones (harpist)

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", which he took in 1820, when King George IV, his patron, 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 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 he moved into the Office of the Robes, 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.

Three of his published works include frontispieces by Thomas Rowlandson.

The remainder of his library was sold at auction the year following his death.

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