John Hawley (died 1408)

John Hawley (alias Hauley; called the elder; c. 1340 or 1350 –30 December 1408) of Dartmouth, Devon, was a wealthy ship owner, 14 times Mayor of Dartmouth and 4 times MP for Dartmouth. He is reputed to be the inspiration for Chaucer's "schipman".

Origins
He was the son of John Hawley of Dartmouth. His family reportedly came from the hamlet of Allaleigh and this may account for the origins of his name.

Career
He was Mayor of Dartmouth on fourteen occasions between 1374 and 1401 and was elected MP for Dartmouth 4 times, in 1390, 1393, 1394 and 1402.

Hawley was both a merchant and licensed privateer though he was often accused of piracy. He conducted a number of naval operations in the English Channel and briefly held the post of deputy to the Admiral of England under King Henry IV (1399-1413). He organised the defence of Dartmouth in 1404 against an attack by a Breton fleet, which culminated in the Battle of Blackpool Sands.

Marriage & progeny
He married twice:
 * Firstly to a certain Joan (died 12 July 1394)
 * Secondly to a certain Alice (d. 7 Jan. 1403), by whom he had a son:
 * John Hawley (called the younger; d. 1436), 12 times MP for Dartmouth.

Death & burial
He died in December 1408 and was buried in St Saviour's Church, Dartmouth.