William Piers (MP)

Piers was one of the leading Whigs at Wells and he stood for Wells several times, but was only returned three times on petition after being defeated at the poll four times. Following the 1715 British general election, he was returned as Member of Parliament for Wells on petition on 30 May 1716. He was defeated at the 1722 British general election. He was defeated again at the 1727 British general election but was this time seated on petition on 18 April 1729. At the 1734 British general election when he had the active support of Walpole, he was defeated at the poll, but returned on petition on 25 March 1735. He did not stand in 1741. He stood at the 1747 British general election but withdrew his petition after presenting it. He voted consistently with the Government.^[1]

Piers completed building work at Bradley House in 1726 and included ornamental canals in the grounds.^[3]

Piers married Elizabeth Ekins, daughter of Harvey Ekins of Weston Favell, Northamptonshire by marriage settlement of 29 December 1708. ^[4] Together, they were the parents of one son and two daughters, including:

• Elizabeth Piers (d. 1782), who married Capt. Lord Montagu Bertie (d. 1753), a son of Robert Bertie, 1st Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven and, his second wife, Albinia Farington.^[5]

He died in 1755.^[1]

Through his daughter Elizabeth, he was a grandfather of Augusta Bertie, who married John Fane, 9th Earl of Westmorland.^[5]