Griffiths Jones, Thomas, 1872-1937

Person

Griffiths Jones, Thomas, 1872-1937

Thomas Griffiths Jones ('Cyffin'), antiquary, was born in Llansanffraid-ym-Mechain, Montgomeryshire, the son of a shopkeeper. Having had little formal education, Griffiths Jones was largely self-taught. He had a great love of the history, traditions and folklore of Wales, especially that of his own district and county. In 1861 he founded, and became the first president of, the Powys Cymreigyddion Society (Cymdeithas Cymreigyddion Powys) and, when the Powysland Club was formed in 1867, became an active member. Griffiths Jones was a regular contributor to the Welsh periodicals of his day, as well as to the Montgomeryshire Collection. His son, also called Thomas Griffiths Jones, acquired many of his father's manuscripts. The younger Griffiths Jones died in 1937.