William Waller (informer) facts for kids

Sir William Waller (born around 1639, died July 18, 1699) was an English politician and judge from Middlesex. He was known for his strong actions during a time when there were many rumors and fears about Roman Catholics in England, especially during what was called the Popish Plot between 1678 and 1679. Because he was so enthusiastic in his actions, he was removed from his position as a judge in April 1680. He was a member of the English Parliament from 1680 to 1682. After 1682, he moved to Holland, but he officially kept his seat in Parliament until 1685. He came back to England in November 1688 with Prince William of Orange.

Early Life and Family Connections

William Waller was the son of Sir William Waller (who lived from about 1597 to 1668). His father was a famous general who fought for Parliament during the English Civil War. William's mother was Anne Finch. He studied at Leiden University in the Netherlands and then traveled to other countries. When his father passed away, William inherited a large estate called Osterley Park, but he sold it in 1670.

Political Actions and Public Life

Waller became well-known during the time of the Popish Plot. This was a period when many people believed there was a secret plan by Roman Catholics to harm the King and the government. As a judge in Middlesex, Waller was very active. He was involved in finding people suspected of being Catholic priests, destroying Catholic books and religious items, and gathering information for trials.

In 1679, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of important scientists. In early 1680, he helped uncover another alleged plot called the meal-tub plot. He was also a witness against a person named Edward Fitzharris. However, in April 1680, the King removed him from his position as a judge because he was seen as being too eager in his actions.

Time in Parliament and Exile

Waller was elected as a Member of Parliament for Westminster in both 1680 and 1681. After a period of political change in England, he moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. He became a citizen of that city. In 1683 and 1684, he was in Bremen, Germany. Lord Preston, who was the English ambassador in Paris, described Waller as a leader there. Other English people who had left England for political reasons gathered around him. This group was seen as a center for those accused of another plot, known as the Rye House Plot, which was a plan against the King. Lord Preston even said that people called Waller "a second Oliver Cromwell" as a compliment. In 1685, Waller wrote a pamphlet called The Tragical History of Jetzer, which was against Catholics.

Return to England and Later Life

When Prince William of Orange came to England in 1688, during what is known as the Glorious Revolution, Waller came with him. He was with the Prince in Exeter. However, Prince William did not give him a job in the new government. Sir William Waller died without much money on July 18, 1699.

Family Life

Sir William Waller was married to Catherine. She was the daughter of Bussy Mansel, who was from Briton Ferry in Glamorgan, Wales.