Family and Education

b. c.1550, 2nd but 1st surv. s. of William Hatcliffe of Hatcliffe by Anne, da. of Sir William Skipwith of South Ormsby, educ. Jesus, Camb. 1564. m. Judith, da. of Sir Francis Ayscough of South Kelsey, 5s. 4da. suc. fa. 1559.

Offices Held

J.p. Lincs. (Lindsey) from c.1582, q. from c.1593.

Biography

The Hatcliffes had been settled in Lincolnshire since the thirteenth century. Hatcliffe sat once for his local borough, making no known contribution to the business of the House. He was an executor of the will of his brother George, who had married another daughter of Sir Francis Ayscough. He proved this will in July 1602, and succeeded to his brother’s estates. He was also supervisor of the will of his son-in-law, Edward Doleman, in April 1610. Hatcliffe died on 13 Apr. 1610, leaving his lands to his eldest son William, then aged 40, who has been identified (among others) with the Mr. W. H. of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

Lincs. Peds. (Harl. Soc. li), 472-3; Lansd. 35, f. 134; 737, f. 145; C142/121/133, 323/94; PCC 53 Montague.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: G.M.C.

Notes