Letters "W.C." in front of a name

[dannwebb]

Anyone know what the letters "W.C." in front of a name meant in 17th century England?

 

[emeltee]

I think some context is needed here. Can you quote the full example and say where it is from, please.

 

[dannwebb]

It is in the Bristol Bishops Transcripts Register. A baptism for Thomas French, son of WC William French in July 1693. The Parish Register records the parents as 'Mr William French and his wife Elizabeth'. Unusual to see 'Mr' in that context.

 

[p.risboy]

Do you have any idea of William Frenchs' occupation.?
.

 

[dannwebb]

Well, no, we don't know that, hence asking about the WC. 'Westminster Courts' has been suggested, but only as a guess .

 

[dannwebb]

See in the attached image "Thomas, son of WC William French" or perhaps it is a very florid "Mr"?

 

[DaveHam9]

I read it as ... WC William ... but have no idea what it could mean.

Worshipful Commander ?

 

[dannwebb]

Worshipful Commander ... from Royal Arch Freemasonry? Yea, maybe!