Background
He was the third son of Francis Homfray (1674-1736), of Wales, near Rotherham, and Mary Jeston (d1758) of The Heath, Worcestershire.
He was the third son of Francis Homfray (1674-1736), of Wales, near Rotherham, and Mary Jeston (d1758) of The Heath, Worcestershire.
His family had been successful in the iron trade in Coalbrookdale, Staffordshire, and he made his home at Wollaston Hall, Worcestershire, and at Stourton Mill. The eventual result was the establishment of the Penydarren works at Merthyr Tydfil. Welsh iron production went from 4000 tons per year in 1750 to 80000 in 1815.