Peter Wentworth was born in 1524. He was brought up as a radical Protestant and was elected to the House of Commons in 1571. Over the next few years he was an outspoken in his support for the Puritans.

Elizabeth I attempted to persuade Parliament not to discuss controversial issues. In 1576 Wentworth argued that members of Parliament had the right to discuss any subject they wanted. Elizabeth responded by ordering him to be sent to the Tower of London. Wentworth was eventually released but in 1587 was once again arrested and sent to prison.

Peter Wentworth died in 1597.