William Withers

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sir William Withers, Lord Mayor of London {1707-1708}.

[edit] Family background

Born in 1657. Descendant of Sir Thomas Wyther. Sir William Withers' father was believed to be the first family member to spell the name Wyther as Withers. Sir William Withers married Lady Margaret Hayes, daughter of Thomas Hayes, at Chertsey Abbey, Surrey, England. Sir William and Lady Margaret gave birth to William and Sarah Withers. William Withers married Rebecca Cache. They had a daughter, Elizabeth, who married John Goldsborough Ravenshaw in 1772.

[edit] Political background

Knighted by William III on 20 October 1699. He remained a knight from October 20, 1699 to his death on 31 January 1720. Member of the Honorary Company of Fishmongers. Sheriff of London, 1701-1702. Lord Mayor of London, 1707 to 1708. Represented London in the Parliament, 1700-1701. Challenged by the Whig opponent Sir John Bukworth for Lord Mayor. Won by a majority of 253. Filled vacancy in the aftermath of the death of Sir Robert Clayton. He was continually successful in the next elections (1708-1710, 1713) but was thrown out due to the return to power by the Whigs in 1715.

Died 31 January 1720. Buried at Fulham.

[edit] Relationship between the families of Withers and Ravenshaw

Sir William Withers and Lady Margaret Hayes produced a son, William Withers. William married Rebecca Cauche. They had Elizabeth Withers, who married John Goldsborough Ravenshaw. John Goldsborough and Elizabeth Withers Ravenshaw had five sons: John Goldsborough Ravenshaw II, Reverend Edward Ravenshaw, Captain Thomas William Ravenshaw, Captain George Ravenshaw, and Captain William Ravenshaw. The Ravenshaw family were successful in the Indian Political Service. Ravenshaw College, Cuttack, India, was named for Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, great-great-great grandson of Sir William Withers.

Information extracted from the Ravenshaw family records, showing the connection between the families of Withers and Ravenshaw.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../w/i/l/William_Withers_71ce.html"