Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Heron Jones, 7th Viscount Ranelagh KCB (9 January 1812 – 13 November 1885)[1] was known for his involvement in the volunteer movement to recruit amateur soldiers for the defence of Britain, and for his links to glamorous women, notably the Pre-Raphaelite model Annie Miller and the actress Lillie Langtry.

He created and commanded the 2nd South Middlesex Rifle Volunteers in 1859, the nucleus of which was formed from members of the Ranelagh Yacht Club.

In 1863 Ranelagh helped to organise a show of force in Brighton at which he gave a speech defending the movement from attempts by the government to take control of it.

[6] She became the centre of attention at a party to which he invited her, and was asked by both John Everett Millais and Frank Miles to sit for a portrait.

Jones had two prominent relatives from his maternal grandmother: His sister Barbara married Count von Rechberg (1806-1899), Foreign Minister of Austria, 1859–1864.