William Vincent (MP) facts for kids

Sir William Vincent (around 1615–1661) was an English merchant and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1660. He played an important role for the City of London during a time called the Restoration, when the king returned to power.

Early Life and Business

William Vincent was born around 1615. His father, Francis Vincent, was a merchant from Weedon, Northamptonshire. William started his career by training with Thomas Langham, a grocer in London. He then became a successful linen-draper, which means he sold linen fabrics.

He joined several important groups in London:

• The Worshipful Company of Grocers around 1639. This was a powerful trade guild for merchants.
• The Honourable Artillery Company in 1640. This was a military training group.

Vincent also became involved with major trading companies. In 1645, he joined the Levant Company, which traded with countries in the Middle East. He later became a leader in this company. From 1654 until he died, he was also part of the committee for the East India Company, which traded with Asia.

Public Service in London

William Vincent took on many roles in the government of the City of London.

• In 1657 and 1658, he was a common councilman. This meant he helped manage the city's affairs.
• In 1657, he helped collect taxes for London.
• In 1658, he was chosen as an alderman for the Bishopsgate area of London. An alderman was a senior member of the city council.
• In 1659, he was elected Sheriff of London, a high-ranking official, but he did not take up the position.

Political Involvement

In 1659, Vincent continued his public service. He helped organize the local military, known as the militia. He also became a deputy governor of the Levant Company, a role he held until his death.

During a time of political change, he supported the idea of a "free Parliament." This meant a Parliament chosen by the people, not controlled by a small group. He even signed a petition asking for this and presented it to the Parliament at the time.

In January 1660, he again became a tax official for London. He was also one of three officials chosen to speak with General Monck on behalf of the city. General Monck was a very important military leader who helped bring the king back to power.

For a short time in February 1660, William Vincent was held in the Tower of London. This happened because he was suspected of high treason, which means being disloyal to the government. However, he was released when the Parliament changed.

Member of Parliament and Knighthood

In April 1660, William Vincent was elected as a Member of Parliament for the City of London. This meant he represented London in the national government.

He was one of four London merchants who loaned a large sum of money, £25,000, to the King in Holland. This was a big help to the King. After he presented a message from the City of London to the King, he was made a knight in May 1660. This meant he was given the title "Sir."

In September 1660, he was put in charge of collecting a special tax called the poll-tax. In 1661, he was again a common councilman and held leadership roles in the Grocers' Company and the Honourable Artillery Company. He also became a colonel in a London militia regiment.

Personal Life

Sir William Vincent passed away before September 1661, when he was about 46 years old.

He was married twice. His first wife was Rebecca Ferres, and his second wife was Rebecca Chambers. He had two sons and four daughters.