Thomas Lewis (industrialist)

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,[1] Thomas Lewis became an iron-master.[2] He already owned the Pentyrch blast furnace and several small forges when he became a partner in Dowlais Ironworks in 1759.[3] 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.[3] He headed the business and his family interest was not bought out until 1848.[3]

He was also a partner in the firm of Coles, Lewis & Co which had interests at Melin-y-cwrt and Ynys-y-gerwn.[4]

Lewis's family had lived at Llanishen for many generations but he was responsible for building the New House there.[5] He was clearly a highly respected individual and served as High Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1757.[6]

He died in 1764.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Cardiff Estates". www.angelfire.com. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  2. ^ The First Industrialists by François Crouzet, Page 73
  3. ^ a b c 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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