William Fitzwilliam, 1st Earl Fitzwilliam (1748–1833), was a prominent British nobleman and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament and held various political positions, including Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire. Fitzwilliam was known for his support of the Whig Party and his involvement in social reforms during his lifetime. Fitzwilliam inherited the title of Earl Fitzwilliam in 1784 and was a significant landowner, with extensive estates in Yorkshire and Ireland. He was also a patron of the arts and education, contributing to the development of local institutions and promoting agricultural improvements on his lands.