Sir William Fitzwilliam ²²

  General Notes:

William, a merchant, who became sheriff of London in 1506, and subsequently alderman of Bread-street Ward. He had been in the train of Cardinal Wolsey, and, on retiring to his seat in Northamptonshire, he there entertained his old lord, who was then under the royal displeasure. For this he was called to account by Henry VIII but instead of denying the fact, he justified it, saying that it was an act of gratitude to a munificent patron, who had been the founder of his fortune. This dispelled the momentary cloud and the king was so pleased, that he immediately knighted him and made him one of his privy-council. Sir William died in 1534.

William married Anne Hawes.