William Fettiplace

William Fettiplace was the youngest son of John Fettiplace, citizen and draper of London and Lord of the Manor of East Shefford (Berkshire). He was one year old when his father died and was brought up by his mother Joan and step-father, John Estbury.

Two of William’s brothers, Anthony and Thomas, made their career at the Royal Court, but William followed the steps of his eldest brother Richard who made his wealth by marriage. In 1480, William married the great Berkshire heiress, Elizabeth Waring. From her father she inherited the manor of Erleigh Court along with the minor manor of Pauntons, and from her mother she inherited Rampanes Manor in Childrey.

William was not interested to be involved in politics, and he dedicated himself to charitable causes. He was dedicated to attending to the wants of his tenants and dependents and repairing Childrey Church. In 1515, he set up a boys' school in the village and his private chaplain became the first schoolmaster. In his will, William bequeathed to the Provost and scholars of Queen's College Oxford, lands in Letcombe Bassett, Hendley, West Shefford, Bockhampton, Lambourn, Hurst, Finkesley, Beedon, Stanmore, Woolstone, Earley, Westcote, Sparsholt, Childrey, Grove, and Uffington. As William had no children he was succeeded in his estates by Alexander, the son of William's brother, Anthony.