William Burton (MP for City of London) facts for kids

William Burton was an important English politician who lived a long time ago, in the 1400s. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws for England. He represented the City of London in the Parliament of England twice, in 1414 and 1421.

William Burton's Life

Early Life and Work

We don't know much about where William Burton came from or his very early life. We do know that by 1395, he was already a key person in his trade group, called a livery company. These companies were like powerful clubs or unions for people who did the same kind of work in the city.

A Leader in London

William Burton was a very active member of his livery company for 38 years. This group was one of the strongest in London at the time. He also worked for the king! He held jobs like a purveyor, which meant he bought supplies for the king, and a sergeant in charge of the king's spices.

Burton was also a director for the Grocers' Company four times. This was a very important group for people who dealt with spices and other goods. He also served on their advisory board at least three times, helping to guide the company.

His Property and Family

William Burton was smart with his money and bought a lot of property. He owned apartments and shops in different parts of London, including areas like St. Bride, Fleet Street, St. Mary Colechurch, and St. Mildred in the Poultry. By 1436, his city properties were worth about 12 pounds a year, which was a good amount of money back then.

He was married three times during his life. William Burton was also involved in many legal decisions, serving on juries. He even took part in eight parliamentary elections, helping to choose who would represent the city.

William Burton passed away sometime between March and May of 1438. He was buried in a church called the Friars Minor, next to his second wife, Agnes.