William Capel facts for kids

The Capell family coat of arms. It shows a golden lion and three small crosses on a red shield.

Hadham Hall in Hertfordshire, a large estate bought by Sir William Capel.

Sir William Capel (born around 1446, died 1515) was an important person in London history. He lived in Capel Court in the City of London and also at Hadham Hall in Hertfordshire. Sir William served as the Lord Mayor of London and was also a Member of Parliament for the City of London.

Who Was Sir William Capel?

Sir William Capel was born into a well-known family. His father was John Capell (1398–1449). The family came from Stoke-by-Nayland in Suffolk. His family had lived in Capel St. Mary in Suffolk since the 1100s. They were part of the local noble families, known as the gentry.

Sir William's Important Roles

William Capel was a member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers. This was a powerful group of cloth merchants in London. He became the Sheriff of the City of London in 1496. This role was like a chief law enforcement officer for the city.

He was chosen to be the Lord Mayor of London two times. He served as Mayor in 1503 and again in 1510. The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London's government. He also served as a Member of Parliament for the City of London. He was an MP from 1511 until 1515.

His large house in London was near where the London Stock Exchange is today. A small street called Capel Court is named after him. He also helped build a new chapel at his local church, St Bartholomew-by-the-Exchange. This church was later taken down in 1840.

Sir William also bought a large estate called Hadham Hall in Hertfordshire. This property stayed in the Capell family for many years. A new house was built there later. It became the main home for his family's descendants from the 1570s.

Sir William's Family

The Arundell family coat of arms. It shows six small birds on a black shield.

Sir William Capel married Margaret Arundell. She was the daughter of Sir John Arundell of Lanherne in Cornwall. Together, they had a son and two daughters:

• Elizabeth Capell (born around 1480, died 1558). She was the first wife of William Paulet, 1st Marquess of Winchester.
• Giles Capel (born around 1485, died 1556). He was Sir William's son and heir. His family line continued to be important.
• Dorothy Capel. She married John La Zouche, 8th Lord Zouche.