Copy of Letter

Extract of a letter from Griffith Jones in Llandowrer to Mr Newman. They have now set up Welsh charity schools on the same lines as those mentioned in the account that he sent to Mr Thorold [possibly John Thorold, see note below]– this ‘'is more than usual in this busy time' ie summer. One of these schools has 150 pupils, inclusive of men, women and children.

Note

• Sir John Thorold bt. (1703-1775) was from a wealthy Lincolnshire family. He was educated at Lincoln College Oxford and was elected to a fellowship there in 1724. Thorold resigned his university post after a year; his successor in the fellowship was John Wesley. Thorold was on very friendly terms with the Wesleys who he knew from Lincolnshire and Oxford. He subscribed to Samuel Wesley senior’s work on Job, supported the Holy Club and was a friendly correspondent of John Wesley. Thorold was a very devout man and committed Anglican minister, despite his substantial personal fortune. He was in the habit of preaching twice a week and led daily worship. He was also a generous supporter of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and published several books on religious themes. Thorold succeeded to his family baronetcy in 1748 and served as High Sheriff of Linconshire in 1751/52. He was married with a number of children.