Charles Willis (1811 - 1867)

Born 11 Jan 1811 in Piccadilly, Middlesex, England

Ancestors

Husband of Juliana (Goodwin) Willis — married 12 Sep 1837 in St James Westminster, Middlesex, England

Descendants

Died 6 Dec 1867 at age 56 in Pimlico, Middlesex, England

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Biography

The Willis family owned and ran businesses in Westminster at Willis’ Rooms (originally Almack’s Assembly Rooms) King Street, and Thatched House Tavern, St James Street for a total of more than 100 years. James Willis (1744-1794) leased the Thatched House Tavern in 1770. In 1792 he also took over from William Almack as proprietor of Almack’s Assembly Rooms, and continued to run both establishments until his death in 1794. Two of his sons, James and William, continued to run the establishments, initially with their mother, Elizabeth, until William’s death in 1839 and James’ death in 1847. William was succeeded by his son, Charles (of this profile), and James by his son, Frederick. The Thatched House Tavern closed in 1861, and thereafter the building was demolished and a new building erected, occupied by the Conservative Club. After Charles' death in 1867 Frederick continued to manage Willis’ Rooms until his own death in 1880.

It was at Willis' Rooms, on 6 Jun 1859, that the historic meeting took place at which the Whigs, Peelites and Radicals met together to form the Liberal Party.

Sources

• Christening of Charles Willis on 10 Feb 1811 at St James Piccadilly, Middlesex, England.
• Marriage between Charles Willis and Juliana Goodwin registered 12 Sep 1837 at St James Westminster, Middlesex, England, GRO Ref: vol 1, p 129.
• Death Registration of Charles Willis in Dec 1867 at St George Hannover Square, Middlesex, England, GRO Ref. vol 1a, p 219.