Thomas Dadford (senior) (died 1809) was an English canal engineer, as were his sons, Thomas Dadford Junior and John Dadford
He probably originated from Stewponey near Stourbridge.
He started as one of James Brindley's many pupil-assistants, in which capacity he worked on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and the Birmingham Canal Navigations.
He was engineer and surveyor on the Dudley Canal until 1783, and consulted by them later when they were extending through Dudley Tunnel.
1782 - with Thomas (Junior), he made recommendations for improvements to the River Trent.
1784 - advised on the Coventry Canal's aqueduct over the River Tame.
1789 - cutting contractor on the Cromford Canal.
The latter part of his career was spent in Wales and the Borders, often working with his two sons. He worked on many canal projects, including the Neath and the Aberdare, in many of which he was also a shareholder.
Until 1794, with his son and Sheasby, he was engineer and contractor on the Glamorganshire Canal, until they had a row with the company which was later resolved in their favour.
His last canal was the Montgomeryshire, where he succeeded John as engineer.