Sanderson , William , 1547/8-1638 , merchant and financier

William Sanderson (1547/8-1638) trained as a merchant in London, before travelling throughout North Europe. By the time he returned and settled in London he was a wealthy man, having inherited property as well as making profits through trading. He married in 1584/5 and had at least 8 children, including Sir William Sanderson (1586-1676) the historian. Sanderson invested some of his wealth in new ventures, including voyages to Greenland and Baffin Island, and Ralegh's exploits in Virginia. He also supported Emery Molyneux, the first English globe maker, whose globes were presented to Queen Elizabeth. He and Ralegh fell out in 1594 over the funding of an expedition to Guiana and their friendship ended. Sanderson had to recoup considerable sums from Ralegh's estate after his execution in 1618. Sanderson himself ran into financial difficulties from around 1613 and spent some time in prison. He died in 1638 at his home on the Strand.

Information from: Anita McConnell, 'Sanderson, William (1547/8-1638)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004.