Percival Willoughby

Who was Percival Willoughby?

Sir Percival Willoughby was a prominent land owner, businessman involved during his lifetime variously in mining, iron smelting, glass making and as an investor in the Newfoundland Company. He married Bridget Willoughby, evidently his third cousin, the daughter of Sir Francis Willoughby builder of the surviving Wollaton Hall. She as co-heiress of her father, inherited Wollaton Hall and they eventually moved into the new hall. Willoughby was knighted by King James I on 20 April 1603 at Worksop and shortly afterwards became the member for Tamworth in King James' first parliament. He was replaced in a by-election in 1604 but was returned again in 1614.

Percival Willoughby's business partner, Huntingdon Beaumont, was responsible for constructing the Wollaton Wagonway.