William Watson

William Watson (died 20 November 1559) was an English merchant and shipowner living in London in the reign of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. He was the royal purchasing agent in the Baltic from 1538 to 1559, chiefly tasked with supplying the English fleet with masts, cordage and other naval stores. Early life He was born in Shropshire, the son of John Watson. He had two brothers, Richard and Roger and two sisters: Blanche (d. 1563), who married 1. Richard Reynolds (d. 6 May 1542); 2. Robert Palmer (d. 1544); 3. William Forman (d. 1546); and Elizabeth, who married Richard Mawdley. Career Watson was a member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers. In 1538 Watson was appointed royal purchasing agent in the Baltic. He had been a Baltic merchant since at least 1531. His brothers, Richard and Roger worked with him. In 1544 William Watson wrote to Duke Albrecht of Prussia from Danzig: "My brother Richard asked me in a letter to send some English dogs to Your Grace. I have ordered some, and they have been put on board a vessel. Of these three one jumped overboard; the other two can be fetched from Jurgen Rudloff, the skinner. In case Your Grace wanted more, it would be well to let me know if You want them young or old. I shall then willingly order them." He also offered to procure court dresses or dress material for the Duke. William's brother, Roger, who lived in Danzig and acted as his agent there, married, before 1550, Margarethe von Schwarzwald, the daughter of Hans von Schwarzwald (1468–1521), alderman of Danzig and his third wife, Margarethe von Reesen.