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. 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.