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

He was also a partner in the firm of Coles, Lewis & Co which had interests at Melin-y-cwrt and Ynys-y-gerwn.[3]

Lewis's family had lived at Llanishen for many generations but he was responsible for building the New House there.[4] He was clearly a highly respected individual and served as High Sheriff of Glamorgan in 1757.[5]

He died in 1764.[6]

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


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