FLETEWOOD (William), an eminent English lawyer and recorder of London, in the reign of queen VOL. VII. Part I.
Elizabeth. He was very zealous in suppressing mass-houses, and committing Popish priests: but once rushing in upon mass at the Portuguese ambassador’s house, he was committed to the Fleet for breach of privilege, but soon released. Mr Wood says, “He was a learned man, and a good antiquary, but of a marvellous merriness and pleasant conceit.” He was a good popular speaker, and wrote well upon subjects of government. His principal works are, 1. Annalium tam regum Edwardi V. Richardi III. & Henrici VII. quam Henrici VIII. 2. A Table of the Reports of Edmund Plowden. 3. The Office of a Justice of Peace. He died about the year 1593.