William Compton, 1st Earl of Northampton KG (d. 24 June 1630), known as Lord Compton from 1589 to 1618, was an English peer.

Northampton was the son of Henry Compton, 1st Baron Compton, and Frances Anne Hastings. His maternal grandparents were Francis Hastings, 2nd Earl of Huntingdon and Catherine Pole. Catherine was a daughter of Henry Pole, 1st Baron Montagu and Jane Neville. Jane was in turn a daughter of George Nevill, 4th Baron Bergavenny and Margaret Fenne.

He notably served as Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire and of Gloucestershire and as Lord President of the Marches and of the Dominion of Wales. In 1618 he was created Earl of Northampton.

Lord Northampton married Elizabeth Spencer, a daughter of the Lord Mayor of London, Sir John Spencer, in 1594. Their children included :

• Anne Compton (d. 1675), married Ulrick Bourke, 1st Marquess of Clanricarde; no issue.
• Spencer Compton, 2nd Earl of Northampton (1601–1643)

References

• Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage (1990 edition). New York: St Martin's Press, 1990.

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