Woolley, William, d 1719 (merchant and writer)
Dates
- Existence: d 1719
Biography
William Woolley or Wolley (d. 1719) was born around the middle of the seventeenth century, the son of William Woolley, a London silkman. He became a successful merchant in the Spanish trade in London, and developed interests in the Derby lead trade. Woolley retired to Derbyshire, the native county of his family, and bought Darley Abbey, an estate north of Derby, in 1709. It was during his retirement that he wrote his topographical history of Derby. Stephen Glover (d. 1869), author and antiquary, wrote The Peak guide (Derby, 1830), and compiled The history and gazetteer of the county of Derby (2 vols; Derby, 1831-1833). He died on 26 December 1869.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
William Woolley, 'History of County of Derby', in the hand of Stephen Glover
Includes dedication to George Rogers, Merchant at Mile End, near London. Inside the front cover is a pasted slip describing the contents; a note by Samuel Sandars; the note 'Bought at Sotheby's at Sale of the Bateman Heirlooms May 1893 per Mr Quaritch. It has not appeared in print SS'; and the bookplates of Bateman of Middleton Hall (by Youlgrave) in the County of Derby, and of Samuel Sandars, 1893.