William probably was born in Louth, Lincolnshire but his parentage is unknown.

[3] He probably held an office in the chancery under King Henry III of England.

[3] In 1278 through 1280, William was put in charge of the construction of the town and castle at Rhuddlan by the king.

[2] William held prebends in the dioceses of Lincoln, London, Wells, and York as well as the deanery of St Martin le Grand in London before being named Archdeacon of Durham by 22 August 1284.

[2] His tomb, with an elaborate canopy, still is located close to where it was originally placed near the high altar in the south choir aisle near the entrance to the Lady Chapel of Ely Cathedral.