BALCHIEF, William, of Portsmouth, Hants.

There may well have been as many as three William Balchiefs living in this period: one witnessed a local deed in 1374 and served as parliamentary burgess in 1382 (Oct.) and 1383 (Oct.); the MP of 1399 was described on the return as ‘junior’, but so too was the representative of 12 years later (1411), while the William Balchief returned in 1419 was called ‘senior’ (E326/2935; C219/10/6, 12/3). Unfortunately, there is insufficient evidence to distinguish between them.