BECKFORD, WILLIAM (17o9-177o), alderman of the city of London, was Lord Mayor in 1762 and 1769. He was one of the chief organizers of the city's opposition to the dominance of Lord Bute, and afterwards to the encroachments of George III. Though publicly ridiculed for his grammar and accent, he was feared for his great wealth and independence. In 1768 he brought all his influence to bear in support of Wilkes and on the latter's instigation broke through all court etiquette in 1770 when pre senting a city remonstrance to the king against his arbitrary con duct : George having rejected the petition in a discourteous man ner, Beckford appalled the courtiers by "answering back" in a firm but respectful speech whose approximate words are engraved on his monument in the Guildhall. His son was also named Wil liam Beckford (q.v.).