Lord William Latimer

William Latimer was an English noble who made his fortune through military and advisory service to King Edward III (r. 1327-1377). He served the king as Chamberlain of the Household from 1371 till 1376, and in this time he controlled both written and personal access to the king.

As the most English nobles of his time, Latimer fought in France in his youth. He started campaigning in France in 1356 and continued to do so through 1360s. During this time he acquired estates in France, made money from ransoming French aristocrats, became warden of the Cinque Ports and northern forests, and acquired valuable wardships. He also to lend money to the Crown at a profitable rate of interest.

Larimer’s financial schemes brought him not only wealth, but also enemies. He was impeached in 1376, but he recovered the king's favor, though no longer held the office of chamberlain. At the height, Latimer’s fortune was around £15,000, representing 0.53% of net national income at the time. In 2010s terms that would be over £5.8bn.