William Dauntesey facts for kids

William Dauntesey was an important London merchant and a leader in the Worshipful Company of Mercers. He is best known for using his wealth to create a school and a home for people in need. The school he founded, Dauntsey's School, is still helping students today.

Who Was William Dauntesey?

William Dauntesey was a successful merchant in London during the 1500s. He was also an Alderman, which meant he was an important leader in the city government. His family came from a place called West Lavington in Wiltshire, England.

A Successful Merchant

As a merchant, William Dauntesey bought and sold goods, especially wool. He was part of a group called the Merchants of the Staple, who traded wool from England to Calais (which was then an English town in France). This trade made him very wealthy.

His Lasting Gift: Dauntsey's School

William Dauntesey passed away in April 1542. In his will, which is a legal document saying what happens to someone's property after they die, he made a special gift. He gave land in London to the Mercers' Company. This company was asked to use the land to build a school and an almshouse in his hometown of West Lavington.

The school was meant to be a grammar school. It would teach boys important subjects like Latin, which was key for further education at universities. The almshouse was a place to support seven poor people, giving them a home and help.

Part of his will said:

I William Dauntesey Citizen and Alderman of the Cities of London ... will that in West Lavington a house called a church house and a house for a schole be kept ... and that Ambrose Dauntesey shall name and appoint one apt and convenient person to teach gramer in the Schole house...

Today, the school he founded is known as Dauntsey's School. It is now a private school that continues to educate students, carrying on William Dauntesey's legacy.