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Thomas Lewis (died 1764) was one of the founders of the Dowlais Ironworks, one of the largest ironworks in Wales.

Career

Born into a landed family from Llanishen, Cardiff, a branch of the Lewis of the Van Family, Thomas Lewis became an iron-master. He already owned the Pentyrch blast furnace and several small forges when he became a partner in Dowlais Ironworks in 1759. Lewis was the partner who arranged the mineral leases and construction of the new ironworks: the works were carried out by his business, Thomas Lewis & Co. He headed the business and his family interest was not bought out until 1848.

He was also a partner in the firm of Coles, Lewis & Co which had interests at Melin-y-cwrt and Ynys-y-gerwn.

Lewis's family had lived at Llanishen for many generations but he was responsible for building the New House there. He was clearly a highly respected individual and served as High Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1757.

He died in 1764.

References

1. "Cardiff Estates". www.angelfire.com. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
2. The First Industrialists by François Crouzet, Page 73
3. ^ Economic History of the British Iron and Steel Industry 1784 - 1878 by Alan Birch, Page 68
4. History of the Valley of Neath
5. The Lewis Estates
6. Sheriffs of Glamorgan
7. Glamorgan Archives: New House Estate, Llanishen, deeds. National Library of Wales. Retrieved 19 December 2015.

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