Dr Thomas Jones, CH 1870-1955

Portrait

On 5 October 2005 at 7:30 p.m., there was a commemoration of the life of Dr Thomas Jones CH (more often known as Tom Jones, or "TJ"), at the Capel Moreia, Moriah Street, Rhymney (map).

The event focused on:

  • TJ's family life (family members)
  • TJ's early life as shown in "Rhymney Memories" (Rhymney Comprehensive School, Ysgol Y Lawnt)
  • TJ's political activities (Lord Kenneth Morgan, introduced by Lord Ted Rowlands)

    Other speakers included Professor Peter Stead (Cardiff University) and Professor John Elliott (Chairman of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion).

    This event was supported by the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations.

    Most of the evening's events were captured on (amateur) video. If you would like a copy, please contact me (Ben Jones).

    • Noson deyrnged i ddathlau bywyd 'TJ'.
    Capel Moreia
    Dydd Mercher, 5 Hydref 2005
    Siaradwyr: Lord Kenneth O. Morgan etc., Cyflwynir gan Lord Ted Rowlands C.B.E.
    Thomas Jones CH - Rhymney
    An earlier celebration in Rhymney, 1939     		Thomas Jones CH - Harlech
    TJ (centre front) and the Coleg Harlech Council
    TJ and George Bernard Shaw
    TJ and George Bernard Shaw
    Dr Thomas Jones, CH was once described as "one of the six most important men in Europe", and also as "the King of Wales"(!). He was actually an advisor to 4 Prime Ministers (Lloyd George, Bonar Law, Baldwin and MacDonald; his official title was Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet), and his diary threw much light on politics "behind the scenes", including the Irish Treaty, the General Strike, the meetings between Lloyd George and Hitler, the Cliveden Set, and so on. 311 volumes of his papers at the National Library of Wales "comprise one of the finest archives in the country" (other archives visible here). He was also unrivalled at extracting money from rich people for worthwhile causes, notably adult education (he founded Coleg Harlech, was instrumental in the founding of Newbattle Abbey College, and was secretary, trustee and chairman of the Pilgrim Trust). He was Chairman of Gregynog Press (Gwasg Gregynog) throughout its existence, and also helped set up CEMA, the Committee for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts (forerunner of the Arts Council) as well as the Army Bureau of Current Affairs (designed to 'supply mental stimulant' to British troops during the Second World War). Towards the end of his life he became President of the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, and was awarded the Gold Medal of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion (the highest honour a Welshman can receive from his country), as well as finally agreeing to become a CH (Companion of Honour). The biography by Ted Ellis, published by the University of Wales Press, ISBN 0-7083-1138-5 is highly recommended; for a shorter summary of his life see one of many obituaries.

    Some of TJ's own books may still be found e.g. via Amazon:

  • Rhymney Memories (hardback) . (paperback) . (paperback from NLW)
  • Lloyd George
  • Whitehall Diary v. 1: 1916-25
  • Whitehall Diary v. 2: 1926-30
  • Whitehall Diary v. 3: Ireland, 1918-25
  • Welsh Broth
  • Diary with Letters, 1931-50 . (later edition)
  • The Gregynog Press: A paper read to the Double Crown Club on 7 April 1954 . (different binding?)

    TJ's daughter -- Eirene, Baroness White of Rhymney -- was a Labour peer and had a distinguished political career: for details see her obituary in The Guardian and The Telegraph. [The Times obituary is now only available as a paid service.] Gregynog Press have produced a 30 page tribute to her; Cardiff University also had a tribute; and the National Library of Wales has a photo of when she was first elected.

    His son, Tristan Jones, was Manager & Director of The Observer. He was also a prolific collector of antiques and curios; his collection of commemorative ceramics (sold in 1991) was apparently the world's largest.

    This page produced by Ben Jones.