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William Dunch (1508–1597) facts for kids

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WilliamDunch1508-1597
William Dunch pictured on his memorial plaque at St Peter's Church, Little Wittenham, Oxfordshire

William Dunch (born 1508, died 1597) was an English politician. He worked as a local official in the areas of Berkshire and Oxfordshire. He also held an important job as an Auditor for the Royal Mint. This meant he checked the money made for Kings Henry VIII and Edward IV.

William Dunch's Life and Work

William Dunch had an interesting life in England during the 1500s. He was involved in politics and managed his family's estates.

What Was William Dunch's Job?

William Dunch was an Auditor of the Royal Mint. An auditor is someone who checks financial records. In this role, he made sure the money produced for the King was correct. This was a very important job in the government at the time.

William Dunch's Political Career

William Dunch served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wallingford. This area was in Berkshire, which is now part of Oxfordshire. He was an MP from 1563 to 1571.

He also held other important local positions:

  • He was the High Sheriff of Berkshire from 1570 to 1571. A High Sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in a county.
  • He was a Justice of the Peace for Berkshire from 1559 to 1577. A Justice of the Peace helped keep law and order in the local area.

William Dunch's Family and Home

In 1552, William Dunch bought a large estate called the manor of Little Wittenham. This beautiful place became the main home for his family. He married Mary Barnes in 1547.

William Dunch's Children

William and Mary had several children.

  • Their oldest son was Edmund. Like his father, Edmund also became an MP. He represented Wallingford and later Wootton Bassett.
  • Their second son was Walter. Walter became a lawyer. William Dunch bought Avebury Manor for Walter in 1551. Walter also served as an MP for Dunwich. Sadly, Walter passed away in 1594, before his father.
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