William Appleyard (MP)
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William Appleyard (died 4 September 1419) was a MP for Norwich in the House of Commons and the first Mayor of Norwich in 1403.[1]
Early life[edit]
Appleyard was born, at an unknown date, to Bartholomew Appleyard (died 1386) and his wife Emma.[2] He is first recorded in 1367, in a court case.[2]
Career[edit]
Appleyard was admitted as a freeman of Norwich in 1367 when his father was bailiff, possibly still as a minor.[2] During the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 he was named one of the eight assistants and counsellors to the bailiffs for the safeguarding of Norwich.[2] In 1383, he was first elected to Parliament as the member for Norwich, and again in 1384, 1385, 1388, 1390, 1395, 1397, 1402, 1416 and 1419.[2] He also served three terms as bailiff (1386–7, 1395–6, 1401–2) and five as mayor, starting in 1403 when Norwich was granted its charter (and again in 1405, 1411–13, and 1418–19).[2]
In 1411, he presented to the town a "great tree" for the building of the new guildhall.[2] He rebuilt his father's house, and it remains standing, now (2024) used as the Bridewell Museum.[2][3]
Personal life[edit]
Appleyard married twice. By 1383 he had married Margaret Clere of Ormesby St Margaret (whose brother Robert would also become a MP). He married, secondly, Margaret, daughter of John Rees, and widow of William Curson. By his first marriage he had three sons (including Bartholmew, also a MP)[4] and three daughters.[2] He died in 1419.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ "British History Online: Norwich, Chapter 17". Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "History of Parliament: William Appleyard, 1419". Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ "Norwich People: Mayors of Norwich". Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ "History of Parliament: Bartholomew Appleyard". Retrieved 19 February 2024.