William Catour

William Catour was one of the most important citizens of the 14th century Reading. He first appears in 1355, when he rented from the corporation a house and vineyard near the guildhall. For the next 40 years he was continuously involved in the life of the town, whether as a businessman or civic official. For several times he served as mayor (1369-70, 1373-4, 1377-8, 1380-1, 1383-4, 1388-90) and Member of Parliament (1369, 1371, 1377, 1393).

During his career, Catour extensive property in the town, including an inn and numerous houses, and he also held 12 acres of meadow at Tilehurst. His inn was a place where much municipal business was transacted, and where important visitors to the town were lodged and entertained. He also had interests in the manufacture of cloth.