William Fitzwilliam, earl of Southampton

English admiral
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Quick Facts
Born:
c. 1490
Died:
October 1542, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, Eng.

William Fitzwilliam, earl of Southampton (born c. 1490—died October 1542, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, Eng.) was an English admiral during the reign of Henry VIII. A son of Sir William Fitzwilliam of Aldwarke, near Rotherham, Fitzwilliam was a companion in boyhood of Henry VIII and was knighted for his services at the siege of Tournai in 1513. Later he was treasurer of Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey’s household and was sent several times to France on diplomatic business. As vice admiral he commanded a fleet when England and France were at war in 1523. He was comptroller of the royal household, chancellor ...(100 of 152 words)