Family and Education

b. c.1721, 1st. s. of Thomas Johnes of Llanfair, Card. by Mary Anne, da. and h. of Jeremiah Powell of Cwmelan.  educ. I. Temple 1738.  m. c.1746, Elizabeth, da. and h. of Richard Knight of Croft Castle, Herefs., 2s. 2da.

Offices Held

Custos rot. Card. 1741- d.; ld. Lt. Carm. 1779- d.

Biography

In his youth Thomas Johnes cut a figure in London society, and among his guests at Llanfair were Sir Charles Hanbury Williams, Henry Fox, and Richard Rigby. Although he lived in Herefordshire after his marriage, Johnes was active in Cardiganshire politics for many years. He was a candidate for the county in 1741 and 1747, but withdrew on both occasions. Later he acted as election manager for the Lloyds of Peterwell, negotiating the election of John for the county in 1754 and of Herbert for the boroughs in 1761.1 His family was Whig by tradition, and he boasted to Newcastle early in 1760 that he had always shown attachment to Government.2 During this period, too, Johnes had been connected with Lord Powis, who in 1765 backed a patronage request of his to Grenville with the assertion, ‘If I can depend upon anyone I am persuaded I can depend upon Mr. Johnes.’3

In the 1774 election, when his son Thomas contested Cardigan Boroughs, Johnes was defeated for Radnorshire, but he was returned unopposed at the by-election of 1777. During his three years in Parliament Johnes supported the North ministry.  He died May 1780.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Peter D.G. Thomas

Notes

• 1. Add. 32856, f. 612; 32893, f. 300.
• 2. Add. 32901, f. 359.
• 3. Powis to Grenville, 14 Feb. 1765, Grenville mss (JM).