William Mathews (21) was a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, from 29 December 1838 replacing Robert Rowe until his death 19 January 1859, when he was replaced by Thomas Darling (69).

William was born in 1780 in Mountmellick, Laois (Queens), Ireland, and enlisted into the 11th Regiment of Foot 17 July 1811 (Aged 32) giving his trade as Weaver.  His Army number was 1546. 36 days later he was promoted to Sergeant.

He was Medically discharged as a Colour Sergeant in the 11th Foot, 1 January 1839 at Plymouth.  In some of the Tower records William is recorded as serving in the Life Guards and a Regimental Corporal Major, as the next Yeoman Warder recruited was from the Life Guards this looks like an error.

He became a Yeoman Warder at the Tower 29 December 1838 replacing Robert Howe, he had the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (LS&GC) presented to him in London on 10th June 1839

William wife Elizabeth (Born 1791 in Ireland), it is unclear when he married, they had 3 sons and 2 daughters.

Elizabeth, is shown in the Tower records but in no Census records

Robert, no date of birth

Roseanna (Rosea) born 1822 in Plymouth, Devon

William Mathews born 1832 in Ireland

George Born 1834

In 1841 William also had his sister living with the family a Roseanna (Rosea) Mathews.

On the night of 1841, the great fire, which burned down the Grand Storehouse, William, – carried the Sacramental Plate and two salt without tops. Then, – four golden plates, and a salt cellar Top.

On the 11 January 1842 an exert in Tower records shows

The under named Yeoman Warders are suspended from their duties until further notice – 1.          William Matthews (Williams name is sometimes spelt Matthews and other times Mathews)

John Dorrington

John Armstrong

for rioters conduct in the Warders Hall on the night of the 8th instant (8th January 1842)

William dies 19th Jan 1859 at 7 King Street, Little Tower Hill, Buried 24 January 1859 City of London and Tower Hamlets Cemetery. He was replaced by Thomas Darling (69)

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