William Hawkins (died c. 1554)

He seems to have combined the businesses of shipowner, captain, and merchant, also serving occasionally as an officer of Henry VIII's ships.

[3] Hawkins is described by Hakluyt as "a man for his wisdom, valour, experience, and skill in sea causes, much esteemed and beloved of King Henry VIII, and one of the principal sea-captains in the west parts of England in his time".

This Brazilian king was brought up to London and presented to Henry VIII at Whitehall, and a year later sailed with Hawkins on the homeward voyage.

The savages were, however, "persuaded of the honest dealing of our men"; the hostage was safely restored, and Hawkins returned to England with his "ship freighted and furnished with the commodities of the country".

Hakluyt, writing in 1589, adds, on the testimony of Sir John Hawkins, that Cockeram "was living in the town of Plymouth within these few years".