William Withers

Sir William Withers (c. 1654 – 31 January 1720) of Fulham, Middlesex, was an English linen draper and Tory politician who sat in the English and British House of Commons between 1701 and 1715. He was Lord Mayor of London from 1707 to 1708.

Early life Withers was the second son of William Withers, a linen-draper, of St. Mary-le-Bow, London, and his first wife Sarah Cornish, daughter of George Cornish. He was a descendant of Sir Thomas Wyther and was believed to be the first family member to spell the name Wyther as Withers. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish father and son in the record, and Withers may have been the common counsellor for Cheap from 1675 to 1680. In 1680, like his father, he became a freeman of the Fishmonger's Company. He married Margaret Hayes, daughter of Thomas Hayes of Chertsey Abbey, Surrey by licence dated 24 February 1682. He became a Director of the United East India Company from 1709 to 1710 and regained his regiment in 1710. He was returned for the City again at the 1710 British general election. He was Commissioner for building 50 new churches in 1711 and 1712. He was returned again at the 1713 British general election but was thrown out when the Whigs returned to power at the 1715 British general election. He was appointed Governor of St Thomas' Hospital by 1719.

Later life and legacy Withers died on 31 January 1720 and was buried at All Saints Church, Fulham. He and his wife had two children, William and Sarah.