William Feilding was born in Wales in 1582. He joined the royal court and in 1622 became Master of the Great Wardrobe. A member of the Council of Wales, Feilding was later created the Earl of Denbigh.

On the outbreak of the Civil War Denbeigh joined the Cavaliers. However, his son, Basil Feilding, refused to follow his example and eventually decided to fight for Parliament. His mother wrote: "I do suffer more pain for the ways you take... than ever I did to bring you into the world... I hope you will never take up arms against the king for that would be too heavy a burden for me to bear."

William Feilding, Ist Earl of Denbeigh, was killed on 8th April 1643 during an attack on Birmingham.