1670 WILLIAM DEANE, (Tailor).

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Eldest son of William Deane of Leic. j baptized at St. Martin's 21 September 1623, admitted free of the borough 9 November 1646, elected a chamberlain 1661 and an alderman 1666 j married twice and had issue. Descendants the Sismeys of Liddington, co. Rutland and Leic. (see No. 331).

According to the historian Throsby, he became  exceedingly unpopular in his time. During his mayoralty he took an active part in disposing of some corporation property, and it is on record that one of the borough chamberlains named Pollard decamped with the proceeds of the sales. This naturally gave rise to some ill feeling and displeasure among the townspeople with the mayor, on whom were penned these lines at the time ;-

"Deane, Deane, and double Deane, the child that is to bear

May curse the time that ever

Deane was mayor.

For cutting of the strike and selling the town land

And putting the money into Squinting Pollard's hand."

AId. Deane died 1 and was buried in St. Nicholas' church 3 September 1693, aged seventy. M.I. there to him and his second wife Grace. His will, dated 21 August 1693, was proved at Leic. 13 September following.

Inscription still to be seen on a flat slate stone in the floor of the south aisle of St. Nicholas' church ;­"Here lies the body of William Deane, gent.,

heretofore mayor of this Corporation.

He departed this life September 1 1693, aged 70.

And here also lieth the body of Grace his second wife who departed this life August 29 1713, aged 80."