William Piers (MP)


William Piers of West Bradley, Somerset was a British Whig politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1716 and 1741.

Early life

Prers was the eldest son of William Piers of Wells and his wife Catherine Coward, daughter of William Coward, recorder of Wells.

Career

Piers was one of the leading Whigs at Wells and he stood for Wells several times, but was only returned three times on petition after being defeated at the poll four times. Following the 1715 British general election, he was returned as Member of Parliament for Wells on petition on 30 May 1716. He was defeated at the 1722 British general election. He was defeated again at the 1727 British general election but was this time seated on petition on 18 April 1729. At the 1734 British general election when he had the active support of Walpole, he was defeated at the poll, but returned on petition on 25 March 1735. He did not stand in 1741. He stood at the 1747 British general election but withdrew his petition after presenting it. He voted consistently with the Government.
Piers completed building work at Bradley House in 1726 and included ornamental canals in the grounds.

Personal life

Piers married Elizabeth Ekins, daughter of Harvey Ekins of Weston Favell, Northamptonshire by marriage settlement of 29 December 1708.
Together, they were the parents of one son and two daughters, including:
He died in 1755.

Descendants

Through his daughter Elizabeth, he was a grandfather of Augusta Bertie, who married John Fane, 9th Earl of Westmorland.