Edward Jones

Edward Jones (March 1752 – 18 April 1824) commonly known by his bardic name Bardd y Brenin, was a Welsh harpist, bard, performer, composer, arranger, and collector of music. 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 and took his bardic name "Bardd y Brenin" (The King's Bard) in 1820 when his patron King George IV came to the throne.

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.

Read more about this composer on Wikipedia.