Sir William Cowper of Ratling Court, 2nd Baronet

Biographical Summary

"Sir William Cowper, Baronet [E 1642, S 1640], of Ratling Court and Hertford Castle, grandson and heir, being son and heir of John Cowper, of Lincoln's Inn, London (adm. 20 January 1631/2) by Martha, daughter of George Hewkley, of London, merchant, which John was son and heir apparent of the 1st Baronet, but died v.p. when in confinement at Ely House, in September 1643. He succeeded to the Baronetcies, 2 December 1664. He was M.P. for Hertford in six Parliaments, 1679-1700; was an active Whig, and joined with the Earl of Shaftesbury, etc, in presenting, in 1680, an indictment against James, Duke of York, for non-attendance at church; was clerk of the Parliaments. He married (Lic. Fac., 8 April 1663, she about 20, parent deceased) Sarah, daughter of Samuel Holled, of St Clement's, Eastcheap, London, merchant, by Anne his wife. He died 26 November and was buried 2 December 1706, at St Michael's Cornhill. She died 3 and was buried 20 February 1719, at Hertingfordbury, Herts, aged 76."

SOURCE: Complete baronetage; Cokayne, George E. (George Edward); 1900; Vol. II; page 160