Cousin and heir of Sir John Merit, Jr.

Sir William was Sheriff of Devon in 1400. He was buried before the great Cross in the choir of Newenham Abbey Church. Beside him was afterward laid Alice his second wife. This was during the abbacy of Leonard Houndalre, who presided over the Community 1402-13.3131

Sir William’s will, a lengthy document written in French, mentions “Alice my consort,” his son William, Thomas, son of John Bomville, his daughter Dame Katherine Cobham, and his daughter Dame Elizabeth Carew.3131