Thomas is of course a Welsh family name, and this family is no exception. My Great-grandfather, Thomas Chatterton Thomas (604), moved from South Wales to London in the early 1900s, probably to seek his fortune - I don't know if he found it. I certainly haven't seen any of it.

However, from what I can gather from family records and what has been passed down to me, at one time the Thomas family was "comfortable".

The problem that I face is that my Grandfather, William David Thomas (501), died in 1934, well before I was born. My Uncle and Godfather, Wyndham Chatterton Thomas (402) has also passed away. My direct "Thomas" line died with him as he had no sons.

It is said that my Grandfather (501) was a Freeman of the Town of Llantrisant and this title should have been passed on to Wyndham, but as far as I know, it hasn't. This honour was bestowed upon our ancsetor, who must have been part of the formidable Llantrisant Archers, which served the Black Prince at the Battle of Crècy. This will have to be looked into. The Freemen still meet at Llantrisant.

My main source of information comes from the Family Bible, in Welsh, which was presented to Daniel Thomas (801) and his wife, Ann Howe (802) on the occasion of their Jubilee Anniversary (50 years?). Pasted to the inside cover is a cutting from the local Wenvoe newspaper, which gives an account of the celebrations, at which eleven of the couple's children were present. This was in September 1891. [Transcript]

The name Chatterton has been used as a second given name to male members of the family for three generations. No-one in my generation has the name. It was introduced into the family when my Great-great-grandfather William Thomas (705) married Mary Chatterton (721). They are:

1872 - Thomas Chatterton Thomas
1896 - Wyndham Chatterton Thomas (died 1901)
19?? - John Chatterton Thomas
1923 - Wyndham Chatterton Thomas

Uncle Wyndham also listed the direct ascendancy from his generation to Daniel Thomas. This was also kept in the Bible.