William Nelson (circa 1462–1525) was one of two Members of the Parliament of England for the constituency of York on four consecutive terms between 1504 and 1523.

William Nelson
Member of the England Parliament
for York
In office
1504–1510
Preceded byThomas Scotton
Succeeded byBrain Palmes
In office
1510–1512
Preceded byBrian Palmes
Succeeded byThomas Drawswerd
In office
1512–1515
Preceded byThomas Drawswerd
Succeeded byWilliam Wright
In office
1515–1523
Preceded byWilliam Wright
Succeeded byJohn Norman
Thomas Burton
Personal details
NationalityEnglish
SpouseJoan Norton
Children3 sons & 3 daughters

Life and politics edit

William was born about 1462 as the second son of Thomas Nelson, a former lord mayor of York. He followed his father into being a merchant and became a freeman of the city in 1488. He traded in lead from Richmondshire and it alleged he was also a money lender. After his father's death, he inherited his properties in Poppleton, Riccall and Sherburn. He added lands near Acaster Malbis in 1503. His property dealings brought him into dispute with Sir John Gillot, who was mayor at the time, in 1503 to the extent he was fined for his threatening behaviour. He held the civic offices of senior chamberlain (1489–90, sheriff (1495–96), alderman (1499–1517) and mayor (1500–01).[1][2]

Though he actually lost the election to parliament in 1515, he was requested by Henry VIII to stand in place of those that had been chosen. His terms in parliament were interrupted by several disturbances and riots in the city which caused him to be sent back.[1]

He married Joan Norton and they had at least three sons and 3 daughters. He died in 1525.[1]


References edit

  1. ^ a b c "The History of Parliament Trust". Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  2. ^ Hildyard, Christopher (1719). The antiquities of York city, and the civil government thereof; with a list of all the mayors and bayliffs, lord mayors and sheriffs, from the time of King Edward the First, to this present year, 1719. Collected from the papers of Christopher Hildyard, esq., with notes and observations. G.White. pp. 66–67.
Political offices
Preceded by
Thomas Scotton
Member of Parliament
1504–1510
Next:
Brian Palmes
Preceded by
Brian Palmes
Member of Parliament
1510–1512
Next:
Thomas Darwswerd
Preceded by
Thomas Darwswerd
Member of Parliament
1512–1515
Next:
William Wright
Preceded by
William Wright
Member of Parliament
1515–1523
Next:
John Norman
Thomas Burton