William Chudley (1838 â 25 May 1919) was an English businessperson, deacon, and social reformer. He operated a printing and stationary business in Exeter for over 60 years and served as a Baptist deacon for around 40 years at the South Street Baptist Church. Chudley was an advocate of temperance and vegetarianism. He was a founding member of the Exeter Total Abstinence Society and Devon County Vegetarian Society.
William Chudley was born in the second quarter of 1838 in Exeter to John Chudley and Mary Chudley (). He was baptised on 8 July 1838 at the Church of St Mary Major, Exeter.
For over 60 years, Chudley operated the printing and stationary company W. Chudley & Son, in Exeter. He was also the director of the Eastgate Coffee Tavern.
A devout Baptist, Chudley served as a deacon for around 40 years at the South Street Baptist Church. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Guardians for St. Mary Major's Ward and participated in the governing body of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. He ran unsuccessfully for Exeter City Council on three occasions.
Chudley was a founding member of the Exeter Total Abstinence Society and served as honorary secretary.
In 1869, Chudley published The Weekly Marvel, a journal devoted to temperance propaganda, which lasted for about a year.
In 1882, after attending two lectures on vegetarianism by Dr. T. L. Nichols, Chudley formed the Devon County Vegetarian Society along with J. I. Pengelly. Chudley served on the committee, while Pengelly served as honorary secretary and treasurer.
Chudley married Jane Ramster on 8 April 1868 at the Independent Chapel, Castle Street, Exeter. They had one son, A. J. Chudley. His wife died in 1912.
Chudley died on 25 May 1919 in Exeter, aged 81, following a ten-day illness caused by bronchial pneumonia. He was buried at the Exeter Higher Cemetery on 30 May. His son took over the business following his father's death.