William Dauntesey

Originating from West Lavington, Dauntesey was a prominent London merchant and Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers. Following his successful career in London, he bequeathed funds toward the end of his life for establishment of Dauntesey’s School. He left the lands in London to Mercers’ Company with the mission to build a schoolhouse for a grammar school at West Lavington and for support of seven poor men at almshouse.