David Jones (barrister) facts for kids

David Jones (born 1765, died 1816) was a clever Welsh lawyer. He was also known as ‘the Welsh Freeholder’. He was famous for defending his beliefs about religion.

Who Was David Jones?

David Jones was born in 1765 in Carmarthenshire, Wales. His family lived near Llandovery at a place called Bwlchygwynt. His father owned and farmed his own land there. David was the only son. He was also related to John Jones, who was a well-known religious writer.

David went to school in Pencader and Abergavenny. In 1783, he went to Homerton College in London. He planned to become a minister for a group called the Calvinistic dissenters. However, he changed his mind and decided to follow Unitarian ideas. He then moved to Hackney College.

David Jones: Teacher and Minister

At Hackney College, David Jones became a teacher. He taught and lectured about experimental philosophy. This was a way of studying how the world works through experiments and observation.

In October 1792, he became the minister at the New Meeting church in Birmingham. He took over from Joseph Priestley, a famous scientist and minister. Priestley himself had suggested David for the job.

While he was a minister, David gave many interesting talks. In 1794 and 1795, he gave lectures on how the human mind works. He also talked about education, how people decide what is right or wrong, and history.

Becoming a Lawyer

David Jones then decided to study law. On May 1, 1795, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where lawyers train. By June 26, 1800, he became a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who speaks in court.

He mainly worked as a chancery barrister. This means he dealt with cases about fairness and property. He also worked on legal cases in the Oxford and South Wales areas. David also studied at Caius College, Cambridge, where he earned two degrees. He passed away in 1816.

The Welsh Freeholder

David Jones was well-known by his nickname, ‘the Welsh Freeholder’. He used this name when he wrote books and letters. He strongly defended Unitarianism against attacks from Bishop Samuel Horsley. Unitarianism is a Christian belief system that emphasizes the unity of God.

Writings by David Jones

David Jones wrote several important works. Some were published under his famous nickname, 'The Welsh Freeholder', and others under his own name.

Writings as 'The Welsh Freeholder'

• A Letter to the [Bishop] on the Charge he lately delivered, London, 1790.
• The Welsh Freeholder's Vindication of his Letter, London, 1791.
• Reasons for Unitarianism, or the Primitive Christian Doctrine, London, 1792.
• The Welsh Freeholder's Farewell Epistles to the Bishop (lately of St. Davids), now of Rochester, London, 1794.

Writings as David Jones

• Thoughts on the Riots at Birmingham, Bath, 1791. This was an expanded version of a letter he wrote for the Morning Chronicle.
• The Nature and Duties of the Office of a Minister of Religion, Birmingham, 1792.
• The Revolution in France and the Progress of Liberty, considered in connection with our idea of Providence and of the Improvement of Human Affairs. David announced this book in 1816, but it is not known if it was ever published.