Background
Thomas was born at Wenvoe, the only son of William Thomas of Wenvoe and his wife Jane Stradling, eldest daughter of Sir John Stradling. His father died in 1636 at the age of 25.
Thomas was born at Wenvoe, the only son of William Thomas of Wenvoe and his wife Jane Stradling, eldest daughter of Sir John Stradling. His father died in 1636 at the age of 25.
He supported the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War and the Interregnum. He was re-elected Member of Parliament for Glamorgan in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament. He also attended Cromwell"s funeral.
In 1659 he was put in command of Militia in Glamorgan, Brecon and Radnor.
He purchased lands in Wenvoe, Street Andrews, Llandow, Rhiwperra and Michaelston-y Vedw. In 1664 he was High Sheriff of Glamorgan.
Thomas died in 1677 and was buried at Wenvoe. Thomas came from family that were for many years seated at Wenvoe.
The original name was Harpwaye, of Tresimont, in Herefordshire: they took the name of Thomas, as a result of a marriage with Catherine, daughter and sole heir of Thomas ap Thomas, of Wenvoe Castle.
In 1654, Thomas was elected Member of Parliament for Glamorgan in the First Protectorate Parliament. On 10 December 1657, Thomas became one of three Welsh men, who were made members of Oliver Cromwell"s House of Lord, the other two were Philip Jones and John Jones of Merionethshire.