William Benn (Lord Mayor of London)
William Benn | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1682 |
| Died | 1755-08-10 |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, political figure |
| Known for | Lord Mayor of London (1746–1747) |
William Benn (1682 – 10 August 1755) was an English merchant and political figure who held the office of Lord Mayor of London in 1746.
As a member of the Fletchers Company, Benn served as a common councilman representing Bishopsgate between 1730 and 1740. He fulfilled the role of Auditor from 1739 until 1741 and was appointed Alderman for Aldersgate Ward starting in 1740. Prior to his mayoralty, he acted as Sheriff of London in 1742, before ascending to the position of Lord Mayor of London for the term spanning 1746–1747.
During his tenure as mayor, Benn, an ardent Jacobite, provided assistance to Charles Stuart. From 1746 through 1755, he held the presidency of Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals. He established 'Benn's Club,' a faction composed of six Tory aldermen with Jacobite leanings, which included future Lord Mayors such as Sir Henry Marshall and Robert Alsop. In 1753, Benn stood in for Edmund Ironside at his inauguration, carrying out official responsibilities on his behalf.
Benn passed away at the age of 73 on 10 August 1755 and was interred at St Mary the Virgin Churchyard in Braughing, Hertfordshire. His spouse, Mary, died in 1773.