Career
The surname Clinton came from the lordship of Clinton in Oxfordshire, given to them at the Conquest. Geoffrey de Clinton was Lord Chamberlain and Treasurer of Henry I, while Roger de Clinton was Bishop of Coventry 1127–1148. The arrest and subsequent execution of Mortimer cleared the way for the adolescent Edward III to assume power.
William de Clinton married Julian de Leybourne, widow of John, Lord Hastings of Bergavenny.
From 6 September 1330 to 14 January 1337 he served in Parliament. In 1333 he was constituted Lord Admiral of the Seas.
On 16 March 1337, Edward III created William de Clinton Earl of Huntingdon. William de Clinton died in 1354, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, whose legitimacy is doubtful.