Benson, William, Cross Lane, Long Acre, London, cm (1740–74). App. to Richard Wood of York from 1 May 1740–47, very possibly meeting Chippendale as co-app., and later becoming his foreman in London. Benson was blamed for neglecting the firm's business in October 1768 owing to the death of his wife and brother, which took him into Yorkshire for six weeks. Subscribed to Chippendale's Director, 1754. A ‘Benson commode’ is recorded in the V & A archives. [Gilbert, Chippendale, p. 25; York app. reg.; poll bks; Heal]