Background
Capon was born at Salcott, near Colchester in Essex in 1480. He was educated at Cambridge University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1499 and his Master of Arts
rector churchman master scholars
Capon was born at Salcott, near Colchester in Essex in 1480. He was educated at Cambridge University, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1499 and his Master of Arts
In 1502 (at the age of 22). In 1516 he became a Master of Jesus College, Cambridge and in 1526, aged 46, he was appointed Rector of Saint Mary's Church in Southampton and subsequently also Rector of Saint Mary"s Church, South Stoneham. In 1546, aged 66, William resigned from his job at Jesus College and went to live in Southampton.
These chantries were responsible for much of the little education in the town, but in 1548 the Chantries Acting abolished the grammar schools.
Capon believed that this was a severe blow to education, so in his will he provided £100 towards the "erection, maynetenance and fyndinge of a gramer scole" in Southampton. lieutenant was not until 1553, three years after Capon’s death in 1550, that this wish was fulfilled and King Edward VI School, Southampton was founded by Royal Charter.
His name lives on as the name of one of the houses at the school, named after him.