Sir William D'Oyly, 1st Baronet

Who was Sir William D'Oyly, 1st Baronet?

Sir William D'Oyly, 1st Baronet was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons variously between 1654 and 1677.

D'Oyly was the son of William D'Oyly. He succeeded to the estates of his uncle Henry, and was known as Sir William, the elder. As heir to Susan D'Oyly, his cousin, he came into possession of Pond-hall, Topsfield, and Cossford, in Suffolk, and Shottisham, Gostlings, and three manors in Warham, in Norfolk. He was serving abroad in the army of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, and remained abroad after Gustavus Adolphus's death until he returned to take possession of the family fortune. He was knighted by King Charles I in 1642, for his gallant behaviour.

In 1654, D'Oyly was elected Member of Parliament for Norfolk in the First Protectorate Parliament. He was re-elected MP for Norfolk in 1656 for the Second Protectorate Parliament and in 1659 for the Third Protectorate Parliament.

In 1660, D'Oyly was elected Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth in the Convention Parliament. He was among the most zealous in the convention parliament, for the restoration of the royal family. He was a very accomplished gentleman, and much esteemed in his county.