William Ashton (MP) explained

William Ashton (1575–1646) was the English Member of Parliament for Hertford in 1621–1625 and Appleby in 1626 and 1628.

He had considerable court connections, including Robert Cecil, the Treasurer, and his son William Cecil.

In retirement he purchased the grant of a large part of the Royal forest of Feckenham as it was disafforested^[1] and an estate in Hertfordshire.^[2]

Despite his court connections, he was active in support of Parliament in the English Civil War, especially in the Middlesex County Committee. He also became a Presbyterian Elder.

References

1. P. Large, 'From Swanimote to disafforestation: Feckenham Forest in the early 17th century' in R. Hoyle (ed.), The estates of the English Crown, 1558-1640 (Cambridge University Press, 1992), p409-13.
2. http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1604-1629/member/ashton-william-i-1575-1646 ASHTON, William I (1575-1646), of Swan Close, St. Martin's Lane, Westminster and Tingrith, Beds.