Governor of Leeward Islands from 1768–1771 and 1791-1793
Slave-owner on St Kitts, where he inherited estates from his father (also William, husband of Ann Payne). Governor of Leeward Islands 1766-1771 and 1792-1793; Lieutenant-Governor of Antigua 1768-1788 and 1792-1793, MP for Great Bedwyn 1761-1766 and Marlborough 1780-1784. Father of William Woodley of Berbice (q.v.).