William de Essendon

Sir William de Essendon, de Estdene or Eastdean (died after 1314) was an English-born cleric, lawyer and Crown official, much of whose career was spent in Ireland in the reign of Edward I of England and his son. He served twice as Lord High Treasurer of Ireland, and had a high reputation for integrity and efficiency.

Origins

He was a native of East Dean, West Sussex. His name means "William of East Dean", and he is referred to frequently in the official records as William de Estdene, or occasionally as William of Eastdean.

English career

He was in holy orders, and was presented with the living of Ereford, Winchester in 1282. with instructions to report back to the Crown by the following spring. In January 1300 he with the Justiciar of Ireland and the Lord Chancellor of Ireland was charged with selecting 300 hobelars (light cavalry) to send to the King at Carlisle by Midsummer Day, and to purvey sufficient food and wine for them. Part of the Exchequer Receipt Roll (the daily list of payments into the Exchequer) from 1295 survives, naming him as Treasurer.

Later years

He stepped down as Treasurer in 1300, but served a second term in 1304–5.

He was still alive in 1314 when Master William de la Ryvere appointed him as his attorney.

Contemporary Irish Crown officials were frequently accused of incompetence, maladministration, and corruption. Essendon was regarded by contemporaries as efficient and honest in office.