William Ashhurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Ashhurst
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| Sheriff of London | |
| In office 1691–1692 |
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| Lord Mayor of London | |
| In office 1693–1694 |
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| Preceded by | Sir John Fleet |
| Succeeded by | Sir Thomas Lane |
| Member of Parliament for City of London |
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| In office 1689–1690 |
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| In office 1695–1702 |
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| In office 1705–1710 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 April 1647 |
| Died | 12 January 1720 (aged 72) |
| Political party | Whig |
| Parents |
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Sir William Ashhurst (born April 26, 1647 – died January 12, 1720) was an important English person. He was a banker and a merchant. He was also a politician who belonged to the Whig group. He was a member of Parliament for many years. He also became the Lord Mayor of London in 1693.
Contents
Early Life and Family
William Ashhurst was the son of Henry Ashurst. Henry was a merchant, which means he bought and sold goods. William's mother was Judith Reresby.
In 1662, William began training with his father. This was like an apprenticeship. By 1669, he became a full member of the Merchant Taylors' Company. This was a powerful group for merchants. In 1668, he married Elizabeth Thompson. Her father was also a merchant.
Becoming a Public Figure
William Ashhurst became a very successful wool merchant. He traded goods with places in North America. In 1679, he became a Common Councillor. This was a local government role in London.
When his father passed away in 1680, William inherited land and houses. He joined the New England Company in 1681. This company helped people in the American colonies. He also worked as an auditor, checking financial records.
Rising in London Politics
In 1687, William Ashhurst became a Deputy Lieutenant. This was a royal appointment. He was also chosen as an Alderman for Bread Street. An Alderman was a senior member of the city council. He became the Master of the Merchant Taylors' Company. This was a very high position. On October 29, 1687, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir."
In 1688, he moved to represent a different area, Billingsgate. He also became the President of Christ's Hospital. This was a famous school and charity.
Supporting the Glorious Revolution
Sir William Ashhurst was a close friend of Edmund Calamy. Like his family, Sir William was a nonconformist. This meant he did not agree with all the rules of the official Church of England. Because of his beliefs, he strongly supported the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This was a time when King James II was replaced by William and Mary.
In 1689, he became a Colonel in the Yellow Regiment, London Trained Bands. These were like local citizen soldiers. He also became Vice-President of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). This is one of the oldest military organizations. He also became a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Middlesex.
Serving in Parliament and as Lord Mayor
In 1689, Sir William Ashhurst was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the City of London. He was part of the Whig group. He also worked as a Commissioner to stop wool from being illegally sent out of the country.
He lost his election in 1690. But in 1691, he was elected Sheriff of London. This was an important role in the city's government. In 1693, he became the Lord Mayor of London. This is the highest office in the City of London.
During his time as Lord Mayor, a girl named Marie Maillard claimed her lameness was cured. She said it happened while she was reading the Bible. Sir William had her examined by doctors and bishops. A doctor named James Wellwood wrote a report about it.
More Time in Parliament
From 1694 to 1702, Sir William was a Colonel in the White Regiment. In 1695, he was elected as an MP for the City of London again. He was active in Parliament. He supported fixing roads and a bill to finish building St Paul's Cathedral.
In 1696, he became a governor of the New England Company for life. In 1697, he joined the Board of Directors for the Bank of England. He also became a Governor of Highgate School. In 1698, he was appointed a Commissioner for Excise. This was a well-paying job. He was elected MP again in 1698.
New laws in 1700 stopped Excise Commissioners from being in Parliament. So, he left his Commissioner job. He was elected to Parliament again in 1701. However, he lost the election in 1702.
Final Years in Public Service
Sir William was elected as a Whig MP again in 1705. He supported the government's plans. He was rewarded with a role helping to manage a loan to the Emperor. He worked on several new laws. He was a Colonel of the White Regiment again from 1707 to 1710.
In 1708, he was elected MP for the City of London again. He also became President of the Honourable Artillery Company. In Parliament, he supported allowing Palatines (German refugees) to become British citizens. He also voted to impeach Dr. Sacheverell in 1710. He became a Deputy Lieutenant again by 1710. He lost his election in 1710.
In 1714, he was re-appointed as a Commissioner for Excise. This meant he could not be an MP anymore. He also became Colonel of the White Regiment for the rest of his life. By 1719, he was a Governor of St Thomas' Hospital.
Later Life and Legacy
When Sir William was not in London, he lived in a beautiful red-brick mansion. He built this house in the Queen Anne style. It was located near Hedingham Castle, which he bought in 1693.
Sir William Ashhurst passed away on January 12, 1720. He had been unwell for a long time. He and his wife had seven sons and four daughters. Sadly, one son and one daughter passed away before him.
