Fiennes , William , 1582-1662 , 1st Viscount Saye and Sele , politician

William Fiennes was born in Oxfordshire in 1582. He was educated at Winchester College and at New College, Oxford. He succeeded his father as Baron Saye and Sele in 1613 and was made a viscount in 1624; he was active in the House of Lords and, staunchly protestant, was often deeply opposed to the policies of King Charles I. During the Civil War he supported and fought for the Parliamentarians; he was opposed to the King's execution, however, and retired from active politics during the Protectorate. Fiennes accepted the Restoration of the monarchy and was made a privy counsellor by Charles II in 1660, less than two years before his death.