User:EE Project/William Fortescue

William Fortescue (1687–1749), English judge

Son of Henry Fortescue (1659–1691) and his wife, Agnes née Dennis; in 1709 he married Mary Fortescue (1690–1710). Educated at the University of Oxford 1705; Middle Temple 1710; called to the bar 1715. During his studies in London he became a founder member of the Scriblerus Club with his life-long friend the poet John Gay. A successful lawyer and civil servant; secretary to the chancellor of the exchequer 1724; MP for Newport, Isle of Wight, 1727; attorney-general to the Prince of Wales 1730; baron of the exchequer 1736; court of common pleas 1738; Master of the Rolls 1741.