Sir William Fortescue, PC (1687 – 16 December 1749) of Buckland Filleigh,[1] Devon, was a British judge and Master of the Rolls 1741–1749.

[5] Fortescue was educated at Barnstaple Grammar School in North Devon, where he met the poet John Gay (1685–1732), who become a lifelong friend.

As well as his work as a barrister and judge, Fortescue was also involved in the London literary scene, having been introduced by his school friend John Gay to Alexander Pope, and he became a founding member of the Scriblerus Club.

[5] Mary died an early death on 1 August 1710 and her monument exists in St Andrew's Church, East Allington.

[10] Mary and William had a daughter, who was their sole heiress:[6] Fortescue died on 16 December 1749 aged 63 and was buried in the Rolls Chapel in London, where exists his monument.