Thomas Lewis (industrialist)

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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, 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]

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