Thomas Jones

Thomas Jones (by 1492 – 1558/59) was a Welsh politician.

Biography

Early life and first marriage Jones came from a prominent Welsh family, counting Rhys ap Thomas among his uncles.

Jones was first married to Elizabeth Donne, daughter of Sir Edward Donne of Kidwelly, with whom he had two daughters.

Political career In 1527, Jones received the lordship of Llandovery Castle. The heiress of two noble English families in her own right, Mary was also the widow of Thomas Perrot of Haroldston, Pembrokeshire, a member of the landed gentry. At the time of Jones' marriage to Mary, he was around 18 years her senior.

After Jones purchased the wardship of John Perrot from the Crown, he assumed responsibility for managing the Perrot estates near Haverfordwest. He used these holdings to launch a successful political career, beginning with a seat on Haverfordwest’s town council and eventually becoming Pembrokeshire’s first MP in 1542. Jones "came to dominate the administrative and political life of the county," and his efforts were instrumental in the creation of a parliamentary seat for Haverfordwest in 1545, restoring privileges to the district that had been removed by the Act of Union of 1536.

After John Perrot came of age, Jones not only returned the Pembrokeshire estates to his stepson, but transferred ownership of properties he had acquired during his stewardship of them. Jones and Mary then returned to Jones' Abermarlais estate. Jones was probably elected to represent Pembrokeshire again in 1553, but stood aside in favour of stepson John, whose career Jones was greatly influential in advancing.

Offices Throughout his marriage to Mary, Jones held the following offices: