Death reported in the Wimbledon Herald of 9th June 1888

DEATH THE LORD OF THE MANOR.

The death is announced at Dartmouth, where he latterly resided, of Mr. William Simpson, Lord of the Manor of Mitcham. The deceased, who was a man of considerable literary attainments, combined with a somewhat rough exterior, owned a large portion of the parish, and also had manorial rights over the common, the condition of which he was latterly anxious to see improved. Mr. Simpson, who was a Roman Catholic, with his brother the late Rev. Robert Simpson started the present Catholic Mission and schools at Mitcham.