William was born in 1501 to Reginald and Margery Holme in York.
He also held several offices in the city, notably that of junior chamberlain (1529–30), alderman (1540), tax collector (1550) and Lord Mayor (1546–47).
[1][2] He became a notable citizen and gained the reputation of being a forcible negotiator on behalf of the city.
He secured and Act that allowed for the union of some parishes in the city reducing their number by a third.
[2][3] He died on 8 September 1558 and was buried in St Denys's Church in York.