SIR WILLIAM, an eminent English historian, antiquarian, and herald, born in Warwickshire in 1605. He was introduced into the herald's office by Sir Christopher Hatton; and ascended gradually through all the degrees, until he became Garter principal king at arms. His chief work is the Monasticon Anglicanum, in three vols. folio; containing the charters and descriptions of all the English monasteries, adorned with engravings; in the former part of which work he was assisted by Mr Roger Dodsworth. Nor are his antiquities of Warwickshire less esteemed. He wrote likewise, among other things of less note, the History of St Paul's Cathedral; a History of Embanking and Draining; a Baronage of England; and completed the second volume of Sir Henry Spelman's Councils, with a second part of his Glossary. He died in 1686. His son, Sir John, was Norroy king at arms, and published a Catalogue of English Nobility. His daughter Elizabeth married the famous Elias Ashmole.