William Curtis was born in 1752 in Wapping, East London. He was the son of sea biscuit manufacturer Joseph Curtis and Mary Tennant. William was elected as a Member of Parliament for the City of London in 1790 and held the seat continuously for 28 years. He became Lord Mayor of London in 1795-96 and was created a Baronet in 1802. The definition of the three R's as "reading, 'riting and rithmetic" is attributed to him and was taken from a speech made at a dinner given for the Board of Education. Sir William was a colourful character who resided at Cliff House, Ramsgate until his death in 1829.Read more about Sir William, also known as "Billy Biscuit", by clicking HERE
