Godfrey Wentworth was one of two Members of the Parliament of Great Britain for the constituency of York from 1741–1742 and again from 1742–1747.

He was educated at Wakefield School before graduating from St John's College, Cambridge in 1722.

Dorothy was the daughter of Sir Lyon Pilkington, 4th Baronet of Stanley.

They had a daughter, Anna Maria, who eventually married Sir George Armytage, 3rd Baronet.

Being a long term officer of the city corporation, his election in 1741 was designed to bring back some Tory balance to the seat and Parliament.