William Rainsborough

William Rainsborough (1587? – 1642) was an English Captain and Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy, English ambassador to Morocco and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1640 to 1642.

On the orders of Charles I of England, Rainsborough led a successful naval expedition against the Barbary corsairs of Salé in June 1637. His exploits were hailed in a court masque designed by Inigo Jones For his services to end white slavery Rainsborough was offered a hereditary knighthood, which he declined, and was presented with a Gold Chain and Medal by Charles I.

In April 1640, Rainsborough was elected Member of Parliament for Aldeburgh in the Short Parliament. He was re-elected for Aldeburgh in November 1640 for the Long Parliament and held the seat until his death in 1642.

Rainsborough died in 1642 and was buried at St Katharine's by the Tower on 16 February 1642.

Rainsborough married Judith Horton, daughter of Renold and Joane Horton. Their sons Thomas Rainsborough and William Rainsborowe, two influential figures in the English Civil War, fought for the Roundheads.