biography text
William was probably a kinsman of John Benefield, who was elected bailiff of Melcombe Regis in September 1400 and was among the delegates who reported at the shire court the results of the elections held at Melcombe for the Parliaments of 1414 (Apr.), 1421 (Dec.) and 1422.2HMC 5th Rep. 578; C219/11/3, 12/6, 13/1. It was while serving as bailiff in 1421 that William Benefield was himself returned to Parliament.