Sir William Heathcote, 1st Baronet
Sir William Heathcote, 1st Baronet, of Hursley, Hampshire, was a British merchant and politician who sat in the British [House of Commons|House of Commons] between 1722 and 1741.
Heathcote was the second son of Samuel Heathcote, Esq., of Hackney, Middlesex, younger brother of Sir [Gilbert Heathcote, 1st Baronet], and an intimate friend of John Locke, whom he assisted in his work of regulating the coin of this kingdom.
[Image:Hursley House.jpg|thumb|Hursley House]
Heathcote was a successful merchant who purchased the Hursley estate in 1718. Between the years of 1721 and 1724 William built a red brick, Queen Anne style mansion now known as Hursley House on the site of a hunting lodge.
Heathcote represented Buckingham in the House of Commons from 1722 to 1727 and Southampton from 1729 to 1741. On 16 August 1733 he was created a baronet, of Hursley in the County of Southampton.
Heathcote married Elizabeth, only daughter of Thomas Parker, 1st Earl of Macclesfield, in 1720. They had six sons and three daughters:
- Mary married Thomas Parker, 3rd Earl of Macclesfield. They had two sons, and a daughter.
- Elizabeth Drake married Vice-Adm. Francis William Drake. They had two daughters.
- Reverend Henry
- Sir [Thomas Heathcote, 2nd Baronet]
- George Died in infancy.
- Rev. William
- Gilbert
- Jennetta