William Webbe (mayor) facts for kids

William Webbe (died 1599) was an important English merchant and a Lord Mayor of London in the 1500s. He was born in Reading, where his father, John Webbe, worked as a cloth maker.

William Webbe later moved to London. There, he joined the Salters' Company. This was one of the many special groups of tradespeople, called livery companies, in the city.

Becoming a Leader in London

William Webbe started his career in London's government in 1581. He was chosen as an alderman, which is like a city council member. Later that same year, he became one of the Sheriffs of London. Sheriffs helped keep law and order in the city.

Serving as Lord Mayor

In 1591, William Webbe was elected as the Lord Mayor of London. This was a very important job, leading the city's government. He took over from the previous mayor, Rowland Heyward.

During his time as mayor, an author named Richard Johnson dedicated one of his books to Webbe. The book was called "Nine Worthies of London."

After Being Mayor

After his term as Lord Mayor ended, William Webbe continued to serve the city. From 1594 until he died, he was the president of the Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals. These were important places that helped people in need. William Webbe passed away in 1599.

Webbe's Family Connections

William Webbe had many connections to other important people of his time through his family.

He was the uncle of William Laud, who later became the Archbishop of Canterbury. This was a very high position in the Church of England.

William Webbe married Bennet (also known as Benedicta) Draper. Her father, Sir Christopher Draper, had also been a Lord Mayor of London before Webbe. Two of William Webbe's sisters-in-law married other men who became Lord Mayors of London: Sir Wolstan Dixie and Sir Henry Billingsley.