William Selwyn (Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica)

Major General William Selwyn (1655 – 6 April 1702) was an officer in the British Army. He was the 5th and eldest surviving son of William Selwyn and Margaret, daughter of Edward Nourse of Gloucester. He held the position of Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica between January 1702 until his untimely death in April of that year.

William attended Oriel College, Oxford, matriculating on 11 April 1674

William inherited Matson House in Matson, Gloucester in 1679 on the death of his father.

He married Albinia, daughter of Richard Betensen and Albinia, daughter of Christopher Wray on 26 May 1681 at Westminster Abbey.

Although he was naturally a Whig, being from the Gloucester countryside, William was on duty at the execution of William, Lord Russell, the leader of the Country Party.

William and Albinia had 4 sons and 3 daughters. William died on the 6th of April 1702 in Jamaica. His body was transported back to England and buried at Matson.

Military record

 * Served in the Army of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, in the time of King Charles II
 * Served at the head of his regiment at the Battle of Landen on the 29th July 1693, and distinguished himself under the eye of the king
 * Served at the siege of Namur, in the summer of 1695, and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General during the siege