From the Morning Post, c. 21 October 1850.

This respected gentleman expired on Saturday evening last, at his residence in Windsor Park. Sir William was in the enjoyment of his usual good health till within 24 hours of his decease at eight o'clock on Friday evening he complained of oppression in the chest and difficulty in breathing, having been subject to attacks of this nature for some years past. Medical assistance was promptly obtained, and although Dr Ferguson attended from London, all their efforts failed in affording any relief. He gradually sank under the disease, and breathed his last at a few minutes past seven, after an illness of twenty-three hours.

Sir William Fremantle, the fifth and youngest son of John Fremantle, Esq, of Aston Abbots, Bucks, was born on the 28th of December, 1766. He married in 1797 Mrs Hervey the, widow of Felton Hervey, Esq, daughter and heiress of Sir John Elwell, Bart. Lady Fremantle died in 1841. There was no issue of that marriage, but Sir William was constantly surrounded by the members of his own and Lady Fremantle's family, towards whom he exhibited the goodness of his nature by continuing acts of kindness and affection, and who were reciprocally attached to him, by the warmest ties of love and regard. He set an example, in the position in which he was placed, of the strictest principles and integrity, mixed with the vanity and consideration for the feelings of others to an extent seldom attained. He was most punctual in the discharge of every duty, active in the transaction of business, fully informed of all that was passing around him in the world of politics, science, and literature, and taking warm interest in the many new inventions and improvements which are daily springing up.

In politics Sir William was steadily attached to our happy constitution in Church and State, the spirit and principles of which he thoroughly understood. He was consequently liberal towards those who differed from him, and ready to consider and support, if his reason was convinced of their expediency, such reforms in our political system as the altered circumstances of the time might require.

He was a humble but consistent member of the Church of England, religious without bigotry, and most moral and exemplarily in every act of his life, without ostentation or hypocrisy.

Sir William began life in the army, and having attained the rank of captain he was appointed aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Buckingham, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and succeeded to the post of private secretary to his Excellency.

Sir William's next appointment was the under the same nobleman, when Teller of the Exchequer.

In 1806 Sir William first came into Parliament, on his being appointed secretary to the Treasury, and continued a member of the House of Commons till 1827. Throughout this period he was steadily attached to the party represented by Lord Grenville, Mr Horner, Mr Wynne, and Lord Temple; and in 1822, when the Grenville party joined the government of Lord Liverpool, he received the appointment of Commissioner of the India board, and became a Privy Counsellor.

Sir William had contracted a personal acquaintance with his Majesty King George IV, and was honoured by many marks of royal condescension. In 1826 the King offered him the office of the Treasurer of the Household, and Sir William relinquished his seat at the India board to be more closely attached to the person of the Sovereign. He was created a Knight, and received the Grand Cross of the Hanoverian Guelphic Order.

King William IV retained Sir William in the treasurership, and added to his duties the deputy rangership of Windsor Park, which latter office, at the accession of her present Majesty, Sir William was permitted to retain and to hold until his death. He took a keen interest in everything relating to the establishment, visiting the rides and plantations and suggesting alterations in the lodges and buildings, and contributing from time to time to the beauty and embellishment of the Park.

During a long period of public employment, extended for above sixty years, the subject of this memoir was distinguished for aptitude in business and talents of a superior order. His integrity and uprightness were unsuspected, and the most unlimited confidence was invariably reposed in him by all under whom he served. To those who were placed under his control the extended much kindness and consideration, not only securing their ready services, but acquiring also their respect and regard.

His loss will be long and sincerely deplored by a sorrowing family, by relatives warmly and affectionately attached to him, by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who appreciated the excellence of his character, and who were happy in the enjoyment of his society and conversation; and, lastly, by his numerous servants and dependents, to whom he proved himself a good master and a steady friend.