Jenkin Jones (captain) facts for kids

Jenkin Jones (born in 1623) was an important Welsh soldier and religious leader during the English Civil War in the 1600s. He fought for the Parliamentarians, who were the army supporting Parliament against the king. He was also a Puritan cleric and preacher, meaning he was a religious leader who followed strict Protestant beliefs and gave sermons.

Jenkin Jones's Life Story

Early Life and Studies

Jenkin Jones was born in 1623 in a place called Llanddetty, which is in Brecknockshire, Wales. When he was about 16 years old, in 1639, he started studying at Jesus College, Oxford University. This was a time when big changes were happening in England and Wales.

A Soldier and Preacher

During the English Civil War, Jenkin Jones was both a brave soldier and a powerful preacher. He was married to the niece of Bussy Mansell, who was a very important Parliamentarian leader in Glamorgan.

Jenkin Jones believed that the ideas of the Baptist church about how and when people should be baptised were correct. However, he was not like some others who would only welcome people from their own church. Instead, he was happy to share religious communion with Christians from other groups too.

In 1650, he was chosen as one of the "Approvers" under a law called the Propagation Act. This meant he was part of a group that helped spread religious teaching and support ministers. He traveled around as a preacher, giving sermons in places like Brecknockshire and the Merthyr Tydfil area. In 1657, he became the main minister at the church in Llanddetty, his hometown.

After the War

After the war, when the king came back to power in what was called the Stuart Restoration, Jenkin Jones was put in jail in Carmarthen. But he was released quite quickly. However, there were reports that he was still gathering people and giving speeches. Because of this, he was put in prison again. After this second time in prison, there are no more records of him.