LEWES, WILLIAM (1652-1722), landowner and antiquary,
of Llwynderw, Carms., b. 1652, the younger son of the Rev. John Lewes of Llysnewydd. He m. (1), Cecil Lloyd of Vairdre, Cards., (2), Eleanor Pryce of Rhyd-y-benne. He was an outstanding genealogist, and acquired manuscripts from Henllys, Penybenglog, Vairdre, and Rhyd-y-gors. He wrote some 25 pedigree volumes, mainly based on the works of David Edwardes (q.v.), and assisted Edward Lhuyd, John Davies (Rhiwlas), Browne Willis, Theophilus Evans, and Hugh Thomas (qq.v.). He was a competent writer in Welsh, Latin, and English. The ‘Golden Grove Book’ of pedigrees was transcribed from his manuscripts. He d. without issue in Dec. 1722. His widow (d. 1740) m. William Lewes (d. 1757) of Llanlas, Cards., and this fact has caused much confusion in the histories of the two husbands.
Bibliography:
- Trans. Cymm., 1949;
- Browne Willis, Survey of S. Davids;
- D. E. Jones Hanes Plwyfi Llangeler a Phenboyr;
- Theophilus Evans, Drych y Prif Oesoedd;
- Burke's Landed Gentry, 1937;
- manuscripts in B.M. and College of Arms.
Author:
Major Francis Jones, M.A., F.S.A., London / Carmarthen
