Sir William Betham was an English herald and antiquarian who held the office of Ulster King of Arms from 1820 until his death in 1853.
Background
Betham was born at Stradbroke in Suffolk on 22 May 1779, the eldest son, by his wife Mary Damant, of Review William Betham (1749–1839) a clergyman and antiquarian, and author of the five volume work The Baronetage of England, or the History of the English Baronets, and such Baronets of Scotland as are of English Families, with Genealogical Tables and Engravings of their Armorial Bearings, published 1801-1805.
Career
He had previously served as the Deputy Ulster from 1807 to 1820. He was knighted in 1812. Betham took an active part in the proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, from the period of his admission to it as a member in 1820.
He became one of its governing body, acted as secretary, and made contributions to its publications.
He died suddenly on 26 October 1853 at his home in Rockford, County Dublin, having spent the previous day writing letters at the Office at Arms. He is buried in Carrickbrennan Churchyard at Monkstown, County Dublin.
Membership
He was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1838.