Sir William Master (1600–1662) was an English politician.
Early life William Master was born in 1600 in Gloucestershire, England, the son of George Master and Bridget Cornwall, daughter and heiress of John Cornwall, Esq. of Marlborough. He was the grandson of Richard Master."A history", p. 502. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
In 1622, he was knighted by King James I, and in 1623, elected to represent Cirencester in Parliament. He served as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 1627 following his appointment to the position by King Charles I."Chester-Master Family", National Archives of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 24 January 2010."Burke's genealogical and heraldic history", p. 843. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
English Civil War Initially Master was favourable to Parliament at the outbreak of the English Civil War, however, following the Royalist invasion of his town, Master signed over contributions to the Royal Army after Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice were quartered in his home, and he became a staunch Royalist. King Charles I would also spend time in Master's home, once in August 1642 en route from Oxford to Bristol and again in 1644 en route from Oxford to Bath."The history of the ancient town of Cirencester", p. 113. Retrieved 24 January 2010.
His estate was eventually sequestered and by 1652 was still faced with difficulty as a result.
Marriage and family Sir William married Alice, daughter of Sir Edward Estcourt, and had 12 children: Thomas, esquire and heir William, author of "Essays and Observations, Theological and Moral" George, barrister Richard John, doctor Robert Mary, married Richard Browne, Esq. Ann, married Richard Morgan, Esq. Bridget, married Thomas Smythe, Esq. Alice Elizabeth Winifred
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