1813 SIR WILLIAM WALKER, (Wool Merchant).
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Believed to have been a native of Yorkshire. He was born about the year 1753, settled at Leic. and took up his freedom as a "stranger" 18 September 1795, joining the corporation and filling various offices later. He married, and according to St. Martin's registers, had a large family. Some of his descendants, it is believed, are still living.
During his mayoralty in January 1814, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent (afterwards George IV) visited Belvoir castle as the guest of the then Duke of Rutland. On the occasion of the visit a deputation from the corporation, consisting of the mayor, AId. Walker, the recorder and a number of magistrates, was received by the Prince at the castle 5 January, when an address of congratulation was presented to His Royal Highness on behalf of the corporation. The Prince, having replied to the address, then conferred the honour of Knight, hood upon the mayor, AId. Walker, who kissed the hand of His Royal Highness.
AId. Sir William Walker was High Sheriff of the county in 1823. He died probably at his residence in Southgate Street 24 and was interred at St. Martin's 31 May 1825, aged seventy-two. Mural tablet in the south chapel there. This says that "His public life evinced an inflexible attachment to his King and. country; in private life he approved himself an affectionate husband and tender parent." At the top of the tablet are displayed the Arms of Walker, similar to those of the Walkers of Leeds, Yorks., viz:-Argent, a chevron sable, between three crescents azure. See Plate 6. The Crest, however, on the tablet is doubtful and does not agree with that of the Leeds family. There is also a mural tablet to the memory of Mrs. Martha Walker, his wife, who died 11 August 1805, aged fifty-three.
The will of Sir William dated 18 November 1824, was proved in the P.C.C., London, 20 July 1825. Judging from its contents he was a man of considerable wealth, possessing real property in Leics., Northants., Notts. and Yorks.
