William Humfreys facts for kids
Sir William Humfreys, 1st Baronet (sometimes spelled Humphreys), was an important person in London's history. He was a successful businessman who sold iron goods. He also became the Lord Mayor of London and served in the British Parliament. He was even a director at the Bank of England! He lived from an unknown date until October 26, 1735.
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Who Was Sir William Humfreys?
Sir William Humfreys was a very important figure in 18th-century Britain. He was known as an ironmonger, which means he sold and worked with iron. He also became a politician, serving in the House of Commons from 1715 to 1722. This was a big part of the British government. From 1714 to 1715, he held the important role of Lord Mayor of London. He also helped manage the country's money as a Director of the Bank of England for many years.
Early Life and Business
William Humfreys was the only son of Nathaniel Humfreys, who was also an ironmonger in London. His family came from a place called Penrhyn in Montgomeryshire. William followed in his father's footsteps and joined the iron trade in London.
He became the leader, or Master, of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers in 1705. This was a powerful group for iron sellers. Later, he also worked as an oilman and drysalter in Poultry, London. A drysalter sold things like dyes, chemicals, and dried goods. He lived in Bloomsbury Square for a time.
A Leader in London
William Humfreys took on many important jobs in London. He was a Sheriff of London from 1704 to 1705. Because of his service, he was made a knight on October 26, 1704. This meant he could be called "Sir."
He became an Alderman for Cheap Ward in 1707. Aldermen were like city council members. He later served for Bridge Without until he died. From 1711 to 1715, he was a Director of the East India Company. This company was very powerful and traded goods from far-off lands.
In 1714, he became the Lord Mayor of London. This was a very high honor. As Lord Mayor, he helped with the coronation of George I of Great Britain, the new King. He even hosted the King and his court at Guildhall, London! On November 30, 1714, he was given the special title of baronet. This made him "Sir William Humfreys, 1st Baronet."
Serving in Parliament
Sir William Humfreys was a Member of Parliament for Marlborough. He served in the Parliament of Great Britain from 1715 to 1722. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
He also continued his work with the Bank of England. He was a Director there during several periods: 1719–1721, 1722–1725, 1726–1727, and 1728–1730. He was also the President of Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals. These were important hospitals in London. He also owned large areas of land as the Lord of the Manors of Barking and Dagenham.
His Family and Hever Castle
Sir William Humfreys was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Wintour. They had one son named Orlando. Margaret passed away on August 19, 1704. She was buried at St Mildred, Poultry.
He married his second wife, Ellen, on January 6, 1705. She was the widow of Colonel Robert Lancashire. Sir William and Ellen did not have any children together. Ellen passed away on March 25, 1732.
In 1715, Sir William bought Hever Castle in Kent. This famous castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, who became Queen of England.
Sir William Humfreys died on October 26, 1735. He was buried on November 6, 1735, at St Mildred, Poultry. His only son, Orlando, took over his title. Orlando married Ellen Lancashire, who was his stepmother's daughter. Sadly, Orlando died without any sons who lived long enough to inherit the title. His only son had passed away a few months before him. Because of this, the baronetcy title ended. Orlando's wife died in 1745. Due to these family changes, Hever Castle was sold in 1749 to Timothy Waldo.
