Members of the Denbigh and District Probus Club convened on July 1 for a meeting followed by an lecture from Wendy Grey-Lloyd.

Ms Grey-Lloyd, a retired head of speech and drama at Howell’s School in Denbigh, delivered an elucidating talk on Thomas Howell - tracing his lineage to the reign of five masters.

Born in 1480, Howell became an esteemed merchant draper in London after starting his career as an apprentice draper in Bristol.

Apart from being a freeman since 1507 and a member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, Howell is notably remembered for his philanthropic pursuits and remarkable financial record-keeping.

Although childless, a considerable part of his vast wealth was redirected towards setting the foundation for Howell’s Schools in Denbigh and Llandaff, Cardiff.

His third will, written in 1540, left 12,000 ducats to the Drapers’ Company to invest in land in London to enable the creation of dowries for orphan girls.

As a result, Howell significantly contributed to society, in particular to the field of education.

Next at the Club, a lunch invitation with no speaker has been slated for August 5, 2024.

The Club consistently welcomes new members to join its fold.