William Abell

William Abell was an English vinter and master of the Vintners’ Company who is associated with a controversy which arose because of terms on which a monopoly in the area of wine retailing was granted to the Vinters’ Company.

Apprenticed to the Vintners’ Company in London, Abell gained his freedom around 1602, after which he bought The Ship tavern off Old Fish Street”. His career within the company prospered and in 1637 he obtained the rank of master. That was followed by success in political life as he was elected alderman and sheriff of London in 1637-1638.

His involvement in dispute between the Vintners and the King, who in need of money demanded an increase of the duty on wine, proved to be crucial for his future professional career and personal life. In the aftermath of the negotiations, he was accused for having contrived monopoly for his personal profit and of growing rich by illegal means.

In 1655, unable to change the general opinion, he went for the Netherlands after which nothing is heard about him.