William Bettenham

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William Bettenham (fl. 1386–1400) was an English politician who served as Member of Parliament for Kent in 1386 and 1388. He came from a relatively poor background and may have had training in law. He married Alice before June 1389. Little is known about him, but he is often linked to Stephen Bettenham of Cranbrook, Kent (d. 1415), who may have been his brother or close relative. Stephen was a successful lawyer and landowner who sat on the commission of the peace, while William does not seem to have been heavily involved in local politics or large landownership. He owned about 130 acres at Staplehurst, likely through his marriage. The last record of him is from February 1400.