William Cotesworth of Gateshead
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William Cotesworth of Gateshead (1668 – 1726) was an English merchant and government official who served as sheriff of Northumberland.
Based in Newcastle, Cotesworth was the son of a yeoman. He was a cousin of London politician William Cotesworth.[1] As a young man, Cotesworth was apprenticed to a tallow candle maker.
As a merchant, Cotesworth collected tallow in England and sold it internationally. He imported dyes from Southeast Asia, as well as flax, wine, and grain from other regions . Cotesworth sold tea, sugar, chocolate, and tobacco, operated the largest coal mines in the area, and was a leading salt producer.
Over time, Cotesworth became the English government's principal agent in Northern England, being in contact with leading royal ministers.[2][1] He became an esquire, having served as mayor, justice of the peace and sheriff of Northumberland.