William Staines

Sir William Staines (1731 - 11 September 1807) was a builder and Lord Mayor of London for the year 1800 to 1801.

Staines began life as a bricklayer's labourer and in time accumulated a vast fortune.

[2] In spite of being illiterate and a sort of butt amongst his fellow Aldermen,[1] he was chosen as Sheriff of London for the year 1796 to 1797 and was knighted on 26 October 1796.

He also built Barbican Chapel, and rebuilt the "Jacob's Well" public-house, noted for dramatic representations.

[3] A painting of Staines by William Beechey hangs in the Guildhall Art Gallery.