Thomas Jones (bishop) - Archbishop

Archbishop

When Archbishop of Armagh Thomas Lancaster died in 1584, Lord Chancellor of Ireland (and former Archbishop of Armagh) Loftus recommended Jones as a replacement despite his unorthodox leases. John Long was chosen for the position instead but, on May 10, 1584, at the written urging of Queen Elizabeth, Jones was named Bishop of Meath. He was immediately called to the privy council of Ireland by the government of lord deputy John Perrot, a position he held for 20 years. In April 1605, Adam Loftus died and King James I emphatically chose Jones to be Archbishop of Dublin, commencing the following November. He was also named prebendary of both Castleknock parish of St. Patrick's and the rectory of Trim in the Diocese of Meath:

Whereas, since the death of the late Archbishop, we have given an order for the supply of that See, because of same being a place so eminent within that kingdom; we took time to advise of a meet person for it; we have since upon conference with divers of our Council, found none more fit for the present time than the Bishop of Meath, in regard of his long experience in that kingdom, both in the ecclesiastical state as Bishop, and in the civil affairs as a Chancellor, wherefore we have made choice of him, and we are further pleased that he shall hold in commendam a prebend, which now he hath in possession, which he will nominate unto you. —King James I of England