Manuscripts and Special Collections

Biography of Sir William Clifton, 3rd Baronet (1663-1686)

William was the third, but eldest surviving son of Sir Clifford Clifton and his wife Frances, and grandson of Sir Gervase Clifton, 1st Baronet. He succeeded his father in ownership of the Clifton estates in 1670, and succeeded his cousin Sir Gervase Clifton, 2nd Baronet, to the baronetcy in 1676. He was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Sir William Clifton was Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire from 1683 until his death in 1686, and was also a J.P. from 1685-1686, and M.P. for Nottinghamshire, 1685-1686. On the outbreak of the Monmouth rebellion in 1685, Sir William raised his own regiment, which later became the 15th Regiment of Foot. He died in France at the age of 23.

Family

He was unmarried, and was succeeded by his cousin Sir Gervase Clifton, 4th Baronet.

Archive Collections

  • Title deeds, settlements, estate and legal papers relating to Sir William Clifton's ownership of his estates are part of the Clifton collection held in Manuscripts and Special Collections at the University of Nottingham

Published Sources

  • Basil Duke Henning (ed), 'Sir William Clifton', in The House of Commons, 1660-1690 (London: Published for the History of Parliament Trust by Secker & Warburg, 1983)

 

 

Manuscripts and Special Collections

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