The Times, c. 21 October 1850

The late Sir William H Fremantle, GCH.—

The right of Sir William Henry Fremantle, GCH, whose decease took place at his seat, Holly-grove, in Windsor Park, on the 19th inst, was the youngest son of John Fremantle Esq, of Aston Abbotts, in the county of Buckingham, and was born on the 28th of December, 1766. Sir William entered the army early in life, and attained the rank of captain of infantry. His first appointment was that of aid-de- camp to the Marquis of Buckingham when Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, in 1782; his grace the Duke of Wellington being an aid to camp to his Excellency at the same time. But Mr Fremantle's services were soon required in the civil departments of the State. The Lord-Lieutenant subsequently appointed him as his private secretary, and he officiated in that capacity until the Marquis of Buckingham retired from the Viceroyalty of Ireland. Mr Fremantle at a later period helped the office of Deputy Teller of the Exchequer under the Marquis of Buckingham. In the year 1806, on the formation of the so-called "Talents" Administration, under Lords Grenville and Grey, Mr Fremantle was nominated to the arduous and responsible office of Joint Secretary to the Treasury, and became a member of the House of Commons. On the resignation of Lord Grenville he quitted office, but retained his seat in Parliament, and continue to be a member of the Legislature until the year 1827, having been elected for the borough of Buckingham in several Parliaments. Mr Fremantle occupied a prominent position in the House of Commons, taking part in all the principle debates of the period, and exhibiting very superior talents for public business. He acted with the party connected with Lord Granville, of which the late Mr Horner, the late Duke of Buckingham (then Lord Temple), and Mr Charles Wynne, were the leading members, and generally voted with the Opposition of that day. He cordially supported the claims of the Roman Catholics to admission to Parliament, and the enjoyment of other privileges. In the year 1822 Mr Fremantle, with the several of his political friends, joined the administration of Lord Liverpool. He was nominated a member of the Privy Council, and filled the office of one of the Commissioners of the India Board, his friend, Mr Charles Wynne, being the President. This office he continued to hold until the year 1826, when Mr Fremantle was selected by his Majesty King George IV, to whom he had long been personally known, to fill the office of Treasurer of the Household, in which capacity he attended very diligently to the details of the Royal Household, and was much employed by his Majesty. The King was also pleased to confirm upon him the honour of Knighthood with the Grand Cross of the Royal Guelphic Order of Hanover. On the accession of His Majesty King William IV, Sir William Fremantle was re-appointed to treasurer of the household, and His Majesty was pleased also to nominated to discharge the duties of Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great-park, the King having signified his intention to retain the rangership in his own person. These offices brought Sir William in daily communication with the court, and he enjoyed, until the termination of his short but eventful reign, the full confidence of the King. At the death of William IV Sir William retired from the Household, but retained his position of Deputy Ranger of Windsor-park under the rangership of his Royal Highness Prince Albert, and devoted much of his time to the improvement of the Park. This office Sir William continue to hold until his death, and was able, though at the advanced age of 83, to take a deep interest in all the details of the establishment. He expired, after an illness of 23 hours, on Saturday evening last.