Born by 1488 William Paulet was the eldest son of Sir John Paulet of Basing, Hampshire. He trained as a lawyer but spent little time at court, instead he rose to prominence as a bureaucrat. He was close to Thomas Cromwell, and was involved with reducing Catherine of Aragon’s household and persuading Princess Mary to renounce her title. In 1536 he became Baron Paulet and was an active member of the Lords.
Paulet was named executor of King Henry VIII’s will, and received a bequest of £500. After the king’s death he had to wait for promised lands and an earldom until Protector Somerset was overthrown. Under King Edward VI he obtained land in Wiltshire, including Chitterne St Mary. He was created Earl of Wiltshire, Lord Treasurer and in 1551 Marquess of Winchester. He held high office under four sovereigns and died intestate in 1572 at Basing, where he lived.
Chitterne Now and Then 