Henry Fitzwilliam, 5th Earl of Southampton (1603-1685), was an English nobleman known for his role during the English Civil War. He was a supporter of the Parliamentarians and served as a commander in the New Model Army. His political and military involvement placed him in a significant position during a tumultuous period in British history. Born into a prominent family, he inherited the title of Earl of Southampton from his father, Thomas Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl of Southampton. The 5th Earl was also known for his patronage of the arts and his connections to notable figures, including the playwright William Shakespeare, who dedicated his poem "Venus and Adonis" to the 3rd Earl of Southampton, Henry's ancestor.