Sir William Samwell (1559–1628) was an Auditor of the Exchequer to Queen Elizabeth I of England. He was knighted at the coronation of King James I of England in 1603.
His son-in-law was James Harrington (1611–1677), English political philosopher, best known for his controversial work, Oceana.
His grandson was William Samwell (1628–1676), English architect.
The Samwell baronets were created for his great-grandson Sir Thomas Samwell, 1st Baronet.