“ PAGET OF BEAUDESERT, WILLIAM PAGET, 1st Baron (1506–1563) , English statesman, son of William Paget, one of the sergeants-at-mace of the city of London, was born in London in 1506, and was educated at St Paul’s School, and at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, proceeding afterwards to the university of Paris. Probably through the influence of Stephen Gardiner, who had early befriended Paget, he was employed by Henry VIII. in several important diplomatic missions; in 1532 he was appointed clerk of the signet and soon afterwards of the privy council. ”

“ He became secretary to Queen Anne of Cleves in 1539, and in 1543 he was sworn of the privy council and appointed secretary of state, in which position Henry VIII. in his later years relied much on his advice, appointing him one of the council to act during the minority of Edward VI. Paget at first vigorously supported the protector Somerset, while counselling a moderation which Somerset did not always observe. In 1547 he was made comptroller of the king’s household, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, and a knight of the Garter ”

“ His only son, Thomas Catesby Paget, the author of an Essay on Human Life (1734) and other writings, died in January 1742 before his father, leaving a son Henry (1719–1769) , who became 2nd earl of Uxbridge. At the latter’s death the earldom of Uxbridge and barony of Burton became extinct, the older barony of Paget of Beaudesert passing to his cousin Henry Bayly (1744–1812) , heir general of the first baron, who in 1784 was created earl of Uxbridge. His second son. ”