WELLES, John II, of London and Southwark, Surr.

It has long been supposed that John Welles III was returned to Parliament by both the City and Southwark (Beaven, Aldermen, ii. 6). From 1428 onwards, however, the accounts of the wardens of the Grocers’ Company draw a firm distinction between him (as the ‘aldyrman in boge Row’) and John Welles II, who is described either as ‘in Southwark’ or as ‘the elder’ to avoid any confusion with his more celebrated namesake (Ms Archs. Grocers’ Company ed. Kingdon, ii. 185-228). There can, indeed, be little doubt that the burgesses of Southwark, resentful of the economic hold which the corporation of London exercised over them, chose to be represented by a local man with influence in the City, and not by the alderman whom they must have identified with those who opposed their interests.