Family and Education

b. 2 Aug. 1688, 2nd s. of Sir Thomas Lee, 2nd Bt., M.P., bro. of George, John and Sir Thomas Lee, 3rd Bt.. educ. Wadham, Oxf. 1704; M. Temple 1703, called 1710; I. Temple 1717, bencher 1725. m. (1) Anne (d. 1729), da. of John Goodwin of Bury St. Edmund’s, 1s.; (2) May 1733, Margaret, da. of Roger Drake, wid. of Francis Melmoth, merchant, s.p. Kntd. 8 June 1737.

Offices Held

Recorder, Wycombe, 1718; Latin sec. to the King 1718-30; recorder, Buckingham 1722; K.C. 1728; serjeant-at-law 1730; attorney-gen. to Prince of Wales 1728-30; justice of King’s bench 1730, c.j. 1737; P.C. 21 July 1737; chancellor of the Exchequer ‘ad interim’ 1754.

Biography

William Lee was returned on his family’s interest but, unlike his brothers, supported the Administration during his short period in the House. He died 8 Apr. 1754.

Ref Volumes: 1715-1754

Author: Romney R. Sedgwick

Notes