 His father died at the height of the English Civil War; as he was a staunch Royalist, his property had suffered considerably from attacks by the Parliamentary forces.William himself is said to have been left in peace after his father's death, despite serving briefly with the Royalist forces.In 1660 he used his political influence to support the Restoration of Charles II, and was recommended to the King by James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde as a military commander.