William Challoner facts for kids

William Challoner (also spelled Chaloner) was an important English businessman in the 1700s. He was active between 1709 and 1734. Challoner was involved in the historical trade of enslaved people.

Early Life and Family Connections

We don't know much about William Challoner's parents. However, we do know he came from a large and successful family in Bristol, England. This family was well-known in the city. He might have been a son or grandson of Robert Challoner. Robert Challoner was a former Sheriff of Bristol. A sheriff was a high-ranking official in the city. Robert was also the treasurer of the Society of Merchant Venturers in 1646. This Society was a group of important merchants in Bristol.

The Challoner family had strong connections in Bristol's shipping business. They were also connected to the trade of enslaved people. Some family members married into other powerful families, like the Colston, Knight, and Aldworth families. The Knight and Aldworth families even owned a sugar refinery in Bristol.

Challoner's Business Career

William Challoner's father was a mercer, which means he sold fabrics. William himself trained as a mariner, or sailor. Ship records show that he was a ship captain in 1709. He captained a shipment to Leghorne (now called Livorno) in Italy.

In September 1714, Challoner paid £50 to join the Society of Merchant Venturers. This was a lot of money back then! Being a member meant he was part of an important group of traders.

Between 1714 and 1726, William Challoner organized thirteen voyages. This made him one of the main people involved in the trade of enslaved people from Bristol. Shipping records show he owned or co-owned several ships. These included the brig America and the Illustrious in 1724. In 1734, he owned the Greyhound. One of his business partners was Isaac Hobhouse.