1633   HUGH WATTS, (Bellfounder).

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Second son of Francis Watts of Leic., bellfounder;

was born about 1583, admitted a freeman 1611,12, elected a chamberlain 1620 and later an alderman; married and left issue, one son and several daughters. During his mayoralty King Charles I, accompanied by his Queen, paid his first official visit to Leic. 9 August 1634 and remained here several days.    

AId. Watts was a bellfounder of repute and many of his bells are still to be found in the towers of Leicester, shire churches and those of neighbouring counties. After an active and useful life he died in 1643, aged sixty, and was buried at St. Mary's. The following inscription was formerly to be seen against the north corner of the east wall within St. Mary's church, with the family arms depicted thereon :-

"TEMPORA MUTANTUR ET NOS MUTAMUR Here lieth the body of Hugh Watts the elder

gent sometime Mayor and Alderman of this Corporation who deceased in the 61 year of his age anno Dom. 1643."

His will, dated 1 February 1642,3, was proved in the P.C.C., London, 23 March following.

Arms :-Argent, three greyhounds erased sable ducally gorged or. Crest :-A greyhound sable ducally gorged or. These arms impaling the arms of Burton of Stocker~ stone were formerly to be seen in St. Mary's church, Leic. Plate 3.

There are several M.I's in the church of Gt. Dunmow, Essex, to the descendants of the Watts family.