William Humfreys

Sir William Humfreys, the first baronet was an English merchant and politician. He was born in a family of Nathaniel Humfreys, an ironmonger of Candlewick Street, London and joined his father’s business. He became active in ironmongery trade of London and rose in the ranks of the company serving as Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers in 1705. Later he extended his business affairs and became an oilman and drysalter in Polutry, London.

At the same time, William was building a career in city government as a public official. He was elected sheriff of London (1704-1705), alderman and Lord Mayor of London (1714-1715) and Member of Parliament (1715-1722). He was knighted in 1704 and created a baronet one decade later. As lord mayor of London William officiated at the coronation of George I of Great Britain, and entertained the king and his court at Guildhall, London.

Humfreys was a lord of the manors of Barking and Dagenham, and lived at Hever Castle in Kent.