William Basil Jones
Encyclopedia
William Basil Jones was a Welsh
priest and scholar who became the Bishop of St David's
in 1874, holding the post until his death in 1897.
and his wife Jane. He was educated at Shrewsbury School
, under the tutelage of Samuel Hall and Benjamin Hall Kennedy from 1834 to 1941, becoming head boy in his final year. In 1842 he matriculated to Trinity College, Oxford
. He was placed in the second class in his final school of literae humaniores and in 1845 he graduated BA, receiving his MA in 1847. In 1848 Jones was elected a Michel fellowship at Queen's College, but in 1851 he exchanged it for a fellowship at University College, Oxford
, which he held until 1857. During his time as a fellow at the University College he became assistant tutor and bursar
, and from 1858 through to 1865 was a lecturer in modern history and the classics. He left Oxford in 1865.
During his time as a lecturer Jones married his first wife, Frances Charlotte Holworthy, second daughter of the Rev. Samuel Holworthy, vicar of Croxall
. They were married on 10 September 1856 and remained together until Frances' death on 21 September 1881; the couple remaining childless. Jones remarried on 2 December 1896, to Anne Loxdale. Anne survived her husband, and she bore him a son and two daughters.
While at Oxford, Jones showed himself to have a keen interest in archealogical and architectural affairs. From 1848 through to 1851 he was one of the general secretaries of the Cambrian Archaeological Association
, and then joint editor of its journal, Archaeologia Cambrensis
, in 1854. Jones was also secretary of the Oxford Architectural Society, and was part of a literary and philosophy at Trinity known as Hermes. The society included other notable Trinty students, George Bowen, William Gifford Palgrave
and Edward Augustus Freeman
, all of whom were friends of Jones. Of his friendships made at Oxford, the one that endured was that with William Thompson who was also a past student at Shrewsbury School at the same time as Jones. Jones had been ordained deacon
in 1848, and a priest in 1853, but after Thompson was made Bishop of Gloucester
in 1861 he made Jones his examining chaplain. When Thompson was elevated to Archbishop of York
the next year he ensured that Jones was always close as an advisor, ensuring he held important posts in the York diocese, and in 1865 was presented with the vicarage of Bishopthorpe
, where the episcopal palace is situated. Jones was soon recognised as Thompson's 'right-hand man', and a series of favourable appointments followed, with Jones becoming the Archdeacon of York in 1867, the rural dean of Bishopthorpe in 1869 and the chancellor of York in 1871.
, the Bishop of St. David's, resigned the see and Jones was appointed as his successor by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. His selection is believed to have been influenced by his scholarly work, his proven history as a clerical administrator, his past association with the Diocese of St David's and his ability, although limited, to speak Welsh
. Jones in his earlier life had shown an interest in St David's Cathedral
, raising a fund while at Oxford University for the restoration of the rood screen
. He had also, along with his friend Edward Augustus Freeman, undertaken in writing an in-depth history of the cathedral.
Jones was consecrated bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury
, Archibald Tait, at Westminster Abbey
on 14 August 1874, and was enthroned at St. David’s on 15 September of the same year. Jones, in his role as Bishop of St. David's, continued the restoration work on existing churches but paid far more focus on the establishment of new mission churches; the number of churches consecrated by him annually was treble the figure of his predecessor. He also brought a far stricter regiment to the selection of candidates for ordination, requiring good testimonials, and preferring well educated men to those who were good orators. He also oversaw changes which saw the removal of non-residence posts, resulting in improvements in pastoral work. These improvements led to a progressive raising of the educational and spiritual standard of the ministry. After Jones' death, his successor, Dr. John Owen
, wrote: 'The progress of the diocese during Bishop Jones' episcopate was far greater than the progress during any period of equal length since the Reformation', though it is recognised that much of his work built on reforms initiated by Bishop Thirlwall and before him Thomas Burgess.
During his time as the Bishop of St David's, a proposed division of the diocese, then the largest in Wales, was initiated. Jones was unhappy with the suggestion, but he accepted a reduced income to the diocese on condition that the endowment left would be larger than that of the other Welsh diocese.
In his role of Bishop of St David's, Jones had wide ranging powers in the constitutional development of St David's College, Lampeter. Jones took this opportunity to enact the college with a complete code of statutes (1879) instead of the few provisional rules which it previously held. He also took an active part in the government of Christ's College, Brecon, becoming chairman of its board of governors in 1880.
He died at Abergwili Palace on 14 January 1897, and was buried six days later in the family vault at Llangynfelyn.
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
priest and scholar who became the Bishop of St David's
Bishop of St David's
The Bishop of St David's is the ordinary of the Church in Wales Diocese of St David's.The succession of bishops stretches back to Saint David who in the 6th century established his seat in what is today the city of St David's in Pembrokeshire, founding St David's Cathedral. The current Bishop of St...
in 1874, holding the post until his death in 1897.
Personal history
Jones was born in 1822 in Cheltenham to William Tilsey Jones of GwynfrynGwynfryn
Gwynfryn can represent more than one place, including:*Gwynfryn, Gwynedd, Wales*Gwynfryn, Wrexham, Wales*Gwynfryn, London, London...
and his wife Jane. He was educated at Shrewsbury School
Shrewsbury School
Shrewsbury School is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 13 to 18, founded by Royal Charter in 1552. The present campus to which the school moved in 1882 is located on the banks of the River Severn in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England...
, under the tutelage of Samuel Hall and Benjamin Hall Kennedy from 1834 to 1941, becoming head boy in his final year. In 1842 he matriculated to Trinity College, Oxford
Trinity College, Oxford
The College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity in the University of Oxford, of the foundation of Sir Thomas Pope , or Trinity College for short, is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in England. It stands on Broad Street, next door to Balliol College and Blackwells bookshop,...
. He was placed in the second class in his final school of literae humaniores and in 1845 he graduated BA, receiving his MA in 1847. In 1848 Jones was elected a Michel fellowship at Queen's College, but in 1851 he exchanged it for a fellowship at University College, Oxford
University College, Oxford
.University College , is a constituent college of the University of Oxford in England. As of 2009 the college had an estimated financial endowment of £110m...
, which he held until 1857. During his time as a fellow at the University College he became assistant tutor and bursar
Bursar
A bursar is a senior professional financial administrator in a school or university.Billing of student tuition accounts are the responsibility of the Office of the Bursar. This involves sending bills and making payment plans with the ultimate goal of getting the student accounts paid off...
, and from 1858 through to 1865 was a lecturer in modern history and the classics. He left Oxford in 1865.
During his time as a lecturer Jones married his first wife, Frances Charlotte Holworthy, second daughter of the Rev. Samuel Holworthy, vicar of Croxall
Croxall
Croxall is a parish that was historically in Derbyshire, but is now in Staffordshire, England. Croxall is still very near to the boundary with Staffordshire...
. They were married on 10 September 1856 and remained together until Frances' death on 21 September 1881; the couple remaining childless. Jones remarried on 2 December 1896, to Anne Loxdale. Anne survived her husband, and she bore him a son and two daughters.
While at Oxford, Jones showed himself to have a keen interest in archealogical and architectural affairs. From 1848 through to 1851 he was one of the general secretaries of the Cambrian Archaeological Association
Cambrian Archaeological Association
The Cambrian Archaeological Association was founded in 1846 to examine, preserve and illustrate the ancient monuments and remains of the history, language, manners, customs, arts and industries of Wales and the Welsh Marches and to educate the public in such matters.Its activities include holding...
, and then joint editor of its journal, Archaeologia Cambrensis
Archaeologia Cambrensis
Archaeologia Cambrensis is an archaeological and historical scholarly journal, published annually in Wales by the Cambrian Archaeological Association, containing excavation reports, book reviews, and historical essays...
, in 1854. Jones was also secretary of the Oxford Architectural Society, and was part of a literary and philosophy at Trinity known as Hermes. The society included other notable Trinty students, George Bowen, William Gifford Palgrave
William Gifford Palgrave
William Gifford Palgrave was an Arabic scholar, born at Westminster, England. He was the son of Sir Francis Palgrave, K.H. and Elizabeth Turner....
and Edward Augustus Freeman
Edward Augustus Freeman
Edward Augustus Freeman was an English historian. His reputation as a historian rests largely on his History of the Norman Conquest , his longest completed book...
, all of whom were friends of Jones. Of his friendships made at Oxford, the one that endured was that with William Thompson who was also a past student at Shrewsbury School at the same time as Jones. Jones had been ordained deacon
Deacon
Deacon is a ministry in the Christian Church that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions...
in 1848, and a priest in 1853, but after Thompson was made Bishop of Gloucester
Bishop of Gloucester
The Bishop of Gloucester is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Gloucester in the Province of Canterbury.The diocese covers the County of Gloucestershire and part of the County of Worcestershire and has its see in the City of Gloucester where the seat is located at the Cathedral Church...
in 1861 he made Jones his examining chaplain. When Thompson was elevated to Archbishop of York
Archbishop of York
The Archbishop of York is a high-ranking cleric in the Church of England, second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of York and metropolitan of the Province of York, which covers the northern portion of England as well as the Isle of Man...
the next year he ensured that Jones was always close as an advisor, ensuring he held important posts in the York diocese, and in 1865 was presented with the vicarage of Bishopthorpe
Bishopthorpe
Bishopthorpe is a village and civil parish three miles south of York in the City of York unitary authority and ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England. It is close to the River Ouse, and has a population of 3,174. Prior to 1996 it was part of the Selby district...
, where the episcopal palace is situated. Jones was soon recognised as Thompson's 'right-hand man', and a series of favourable appointments followed, with Jones becoming the Archdeacon of York in 1867, the rural dean of Bishopthorpe in 1869 and the chancellor of York in 1871.
Bishop of St David's
In 1874 Connop ThirlwallConnop Thirlwall
Connop Thirlwall was an English bishop and historian.-Early life:Thirlwall was born at Stepney, London, of a Northumbrian family. He was a prodigy, learning Latin at three, Greek at four, and writing sermons at seven.He went to Charterhouse School, where George Grote and Julius Hare were among...
, the Bishop of St. David's, resigned the see and Jones was appointed as his successor by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. His selection is believed to have been influenced by his scholarly work, his proven history as a clerical administrator, his past association with the Diocese of St David's and his ability, although limited, to speak Welsh
Welsh language
Welsh is a member of the Brythonic branch of the Celtic languages spoken natively in Wales, by some along the Welsh border in England, and in Y Wladfa...
. Jones in his earlier life had shown an interest in St David's Cathedral
St David's Cathedral
St David's Cathedral is situated in St David's in the county of Pembrokeshire, on the most westerly point of Wales.-Early history:The monastic community was founded by Saint David, Abbot of Menevia, who died in AD589...
, raising a fund while at Oxford University for the restoration of the rood screen
Rood screen
The rood screen is a common feature in late medieval church architecture. It is typically an ornate partition between the chancel and nave, of more or less open tracery constructed of wood, stone, or wrought iron...
. He had also, along with his friend Edward Augustus Freeman, undertaken in writing an in-depth history of the cathedral.
Jones was consecrated bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. In his role as head of the Anglican Communion, the archbishop leads the third largest group...
, Archibald Tait, at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
on 14 August 1874, and was enthroned at St. David’s on 15 September of the same year. Jones, in his role as Bishop of St. David's, continued the restoration work on existing churches but paid far more focus on the establishment of new mission churches; the number of churches consecrated by him annually was treble the figure of his predecessor. He also brought a far stricter regiment to the selection of candidates for ordination, requiring good testimonials, and preferring well educated men to those who were good orators. He also oversaw changes which saw the removal of non-residence posts, resulting in improvements in pastoral work. These improvements led to a progressive raising of the educational and spiritual standard of the ministry. After Jones' death, his successor, Dr. John Owen
John Owen (bishop)
John Owen was the Professor of Welsh at the St David's College, as well as the Dean of St Asaph. He became the Bishop of St David's in 1897....
, wrote: 'The progress of the diocese during Bishop Jones' episcopate was far greater than the progress during any period of equal length since the Reformation', though it is recognised that much of his work built on reforms initiated by Bishop Thirlwall and before him Thomas Burgess.
During his time as the Bishop of St David's, a proposed division of the diocese, then the largest in Wales, was initiated. Jones was unhappy with the suggestion, but he accepted a reduced income to the diocese on condition that the endowment left would be larger than that of the other Welsh diocese.
In his role of Bishop of St David's, Jones had wide ranging powers in the constitutional development of St David's College, Lampeter. Jones took this opportunity to enact the college with a complete code of statutes (1879) instead of the few provisional rules which it previously held. He also took an active part in the government of Christ's College, Brecon, becoming chairman of its board of governors in 1880.
He died at Abergwili Palace on 14 January 1897, and was buried six days later in the family vault at Llangynfelyn.
Published works
- Vestiges of the Gael in Gwynedd, London (Tenby printed), 1851, 8vo.
- The History and Antiquities of St.David's written jointly with E.A.Freeman; issued in four parts, 1852-7 (Tenby)
- Notes on the Oedipus Tyrannus of Sophocles, adapted to the text of Dindorf, Oxford, 1862; 2nd ed. 1869.
- The New Testament illustrated by a Plain Commentary for Private Reading, 2 vols, London 1865; the second volume only was by Basil Jones, the first being by Archdeacon Churton.
- The Oedipus Rex of Sophocles with Notes, Oxford 1866, 8vo.
- The Peace of God :Sermons on the Reconciliation of God and Man, (chiefly preached before the University of Oxford), London 1869, 8vo.