Sir William Rowe was Sheriff of London in 1583 and Lord Mayor of London in 1592. He was Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers and was knighted (between 24 April and 23 May) 1593. He died on 23 October 1593.Sir William's cousin was also Lord Mayor of London, in 1568, as was Sir Thomas's son Henry Rowe in 1607.