Where are you from? Born in Denbigh, brought up in Garnswllt, near Ammanford and Corwen. Living on Ynys Môn since 1985.
What is the subject of your doctoral research project? The life of Thomas Edward Ellis, MP for Merioneth 1866-1899 and his contribution to the political life of Wales. I joines ISWE in March 2024.
What are your main research interests? Lives of individuals who played a key role in the political life of Wales in the second half of the Nineteenth Century.
Tell us about your career so far and what led you to ISWE and your doctoral research project? I qualified as a solicitor in 1973 having graduated in law (LLB) in 1970. Having spent 13 years in practice as a solicitor, I was elected as the MP for Ynys Môn in 1987, to the National Assembly for Wales in 1999 and became leader of Plaid Cymru in 2000. In 2007 I was elected as the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy & Transport in the Welsh Government. Upon leaving the Assembly in 2013, I set up Menai Science Park (M-Sparc) and was its first Executive Director until 2018. During my varied career, I have always read widely into the history of Wales, particularly in the 18th and 19thcenturies. In 1998 my biography of the Welsh press and political titan Thomas Gee was published. I have also written research papers on the history of Anglesey MPs and the importance of the 1868 election in Wales. I had always intended to follow my biography of Thomas Gee with research into the life of Tom Ellis. But my political career prevented me from doing so, and now I look forward to completing that mission.
What is your favourite thing about ISWE and being a doctoral researcher? Meeting other researchers, bouncing ideas, having the time and space for my own research, and benefiting hugely from the guidance and mentoring of my supervisors.
What is your favourite historical period and why? The second half of the nineteenth century in Wales, a period of radicalism and re-awakening of national consciousness.
Your favourite place in Wales? Llanddyfnan, a parish in Anglesey where my maternal forbears lived. I have some diaries written by one of my relatives which provide a fascinating insight into the period in history I am mainly interested in.
Can you recommend any books, TV shows, podcasts, blogs that you have enjoyed recently? Have been binge watching ‘The Durrells’ an ITV drama relating the lives of the Durrell family in Corfu, including the authors Lawrence and Gerald Durrell.
What are your hobbies or favourite extracurricular activities? Have you got any other interesting projects on the go? My main interest outside history is sport. In football I follow Liverpool F.C. and in rugby the Welsh national team and the Dragons regional team.
Contact Ieuan:
i.w.jones@bangor.ac.uk
