Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Jones, Thomas (1768-1828)
JONES, THOMAS (1768–1828), Welsh poet, known as Y Bardd Cloff, or the lame bard, from an accident which he met with in his infancy, was born at Llangollen in Denbighshire in 1768. At the age of fifteen he left home and entered the counting-house of a coach-builder's establishment at 90 Long Acre, London, and from that time till his death on 18 Feb. 1828 he resided on the premises, becoming a partner in the business in 1813.
For a long period Jones was closely connected with the Gwyneddigion Society of London; he was elected member in 1789, acted as secretary for 1790 and 1791, in which capacity he was ‘most zealous and businesslike,’ and was thrice president, on the last occasion in 1821. Several of his poetical compositions were dedicated to the society, such as his ode on the celebration of its anniversary, 15 July 1799, published in Welsh and English (London, 1799, 8vo), and his ode for St. David's day (London, 1802, 8vo) (Leathart, Gwyneddigion, pp. 23, 59–61). Jones also gained several prizes at eisteddfodau. His elegy was written for the Cymmrodorion Society by Robert Davies, ‘Bardd Nantglyn.’
[Leathart's Gwyneddigion Society, pp. 23, 30–33, 49, 59, 73–4; Williams's Eminent Welshmen, pp. 264–5.]