Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea - Definition and Overview

Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea, 2nd Earl of Nottingham (2 July 1647-1 January 1730), son of Heneage Finch, 1st Earl of Nottingham, entered parliament for Lichfield in 1679. He was one of the privy councillors who in 1685 signed the order for the proclamation of the duke of York, but during the whole of the reign of James II he kept away from the court. At the last moment he hesitated to join in the invitation to William of Orange, and after the abdication of James II he was the leader of the party who were in favour of a regency.

He declined the office of Lord Chancellor under William and Mary, but accepted that of secretary of state, retaining it till December 1693. Under Anne he in 1702 again accepted the same office in the ministry of Godolphin, but finally retired in 1704. On the accession of George I he was made Lord President of the Council, but in 1716 he finally withdrew from office. He succeeded to the Earldom of Winchilsea (with which the Nottingham title now became united) on 9 September 1729, and died on the 1 January 1730.