(23/3/1867 to 1946)

William George Coxen was the eldest child of George Nickels Coxen and Fanny Luxton. William was born on the 23rd March 1867 when his parents lived at 8, Gray's Terrace, Newington, London. At the time of William's birth his father worked as a Draper but would soon become a publican running a Public House in Upper Holloway called the 'Crown'. The family, which would later included William's younger brother Harold Coxen also resided at the Crown for most of William's childhood.

George Nickels Coxen's own parents, Joseph Coxen and Elizabeth Rosa Nickels had been publicans themselves during at least part of his childhood, as indeed were two of George's Uncles, at least two of his cousins, and one of his brothers. It is believed that towards the end of 19th Century George Nickels Coxen got together with several members of his family to convert the public houses into hostels, and these were later sold as a group to Trust House Ltd. We also believe George Nickels Coxen later had a position of importance with Trust House, and probably a large block of shares.

William was educated at the Onger Grammar School in Essex and then later at King's College, London. He married his wife Kathleen Alice Doncaster in 1912.

During the 'First World War' William was the Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion London Volunteer Rifles. After the war William held various positions of public office becoming the Mayor of Holborn 1919-20, Chairman of the Joint Industrial Council for the London District 1920-22, an Alderman of London, Sheriff of the City of London 1928-29, and most notably Lord Mayor of London in 1939-40. Sir William was also the Treasurer of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and a Trustee for the Metropolitan Nursing Association.

At the time of William's death in 1946 he held large blocks of shares in many companies including Trust House Ltd where he was also on the board of Directors. Sir William was made Baron Coxen but as he had no issue the title died with him.