Griffith Jones, (early 1684 - April 8 1761), a minister of the Church of England famous for his work in organising circulating schools in Wales. His name is usually associated with that of Llanddowror, Carmarthenshire.

Jones was born in 1683 or 1684 at Pen-boyr, Carmarthenshire, christened on May 1 1684, and was educated at Carmarthen Grammar School. He was ordained in 1708 and appointed rector of Llanddowror in 1716, he remained there for the rest of his life.

He was an enthusiastic member of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge and in 1731 he started circulating schools in Carmarthenshire in order to teach people to read. The schools were held in one location for about three months before moving (or 'circulating') to another place. The language of instruction in these schools was the language of the people, Welsh. The idea was taken up with enthusiasm and by his death, in 1761, it is estimated that over 200,000 people had learnt to read in schools organised by Jones throughout Wales.

Jones taught people to read in order that they might know those things that were necessary for their salvation - the curriculum at his schools consisted only in the study of the Bible and the Catechism of the Church of England. But in doing so he created a country with a literate population with a deep knowledge of the Christian scriptures. This in turn is believed by many to have played a key role in making the people of Wales so ready to accept Methodism.

Jones is often thought of as the forerunner of Methodist ideas in Wales. He was a powerful preacher and he would preach in the open air, as later the Methodists would do, and bring upon himself the censure of bishops for preaching at irregular meetings. He lent his critical support to the Methodist revival, and was associated with the early leaders. In fact Daniel Rowland was converted through his preaching.

His work was sponsored by the wealthy philanthropist Bridget Bevan, who continued to manage and support the schools after Griffith's death.

Griffith Jones (born Harold Jones; 19 November 1909 - 30 January 2007) was an English film, stage and television actor.

Born in London, England, Jones was the son of a Welsh-speaking dairy owner. In 1932, he married Robin Isaac, and they had two children: the actors Gemma Jones and Nicholas Jones. Robin died in 1985.

Father of actress Gemma Jones (I) and actor Nicholas Jones (I).

Graduated from RADA.

An Associate Member of RADA.

Stalwart British character player of the classical stage screen and TV.

Son of William Thomas Jones and Eleanor (Doughty) Jones who disapproved of his choice of profession; educated at Polytechnic Secondary School.

Studied for the stage the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and won RADA's gold medal in 1932.

Both he and children Nicholas and Gemma worked at the Royal Shakespeare Festival.

Played the piano.

Serving in the Army during WWII, he spent his service in an army concert party called Stars in Battle Dress and was accompanied on the tours by his wife, Irene Isaac, known to everyone as Robin.