William Watson was one of two Members of the

Parliament of England The Parliament of England was the legislature of the Kingdom of England from the 13th century until 1707 when it was replaced by the Parliament of Great Britain. Parliament evolved from the great council of bishops and peers that advised t ...

for the constituency of York in 1553, between 1562 and 1571 and then again in another session in 1571.

Life and politics

William was born in 1513. He was the brother-in-law of Gregory Paycock, who also represented the city as MP. William held leases at a number of properties in the city, notably the Old Bailey near the Skeldergate Postern. Like many aldermen, he took a lease on Ouse Bridge as recorded in the Bridgemasters' Rolls, but did not live there, preferring a residence in High Ousegate. Although a notable tenant of his Ousebridge house was Andrew Trewe who was also represented the city as MP. He had other properties in Blossomgate, Coppergate, Water Lane and North Street. The latter he bequeathed to his nephew, Robert Paycock As a franchised merchant, he became involved in the running of he city and held several offices. He held the office of chamberlain in 1536, sheriff in 1541 and elected as an alderman in 1542 and 1543. He was chosen as MP on three occasions in 1553, 1559 and 1563. In some tax records, he is noted as being a mounted archer. During his time as MP, he was appointed as a commissioner of inquiry charged with enforcing the

Act of Uniformity 1558 The Act of Uniformity 1558 was an Act of the Parliament of England, passed in 1559, to regularise prayer, divine worship and the administration of the sacraments in the Church of England. The Act was part of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement ...

and the

Act of Supremacy 1558 The Act of Supremacy 1558 (1 Eliz 1 c 1), sometimes referred to as the Act of Supremacy 1559, is an Act of the Parliament of England, which replaced the original Act of Supremacy 1534, and passed under the auspices of Elizabeth I. The 1534 Act ...

in the city of York.

References

{{s-end Members of the Parliament of England for constituencies in Yorkshire 1513 births 1568 deaths