Sir William Rowley, 2nd Bt Rowley of Tendring, Suffolk, was the son of Rear-Admiral Sir Joshua Rowley, 1st Bt (Dublin 1734-1790, Suffolk) and Sarah Burton (d. 1812). Sir William became a Captain Lieutenant in the 96th Foot in 1782 and later became the Captain Lieutenant of the 95th Foot, which was disbanded in 1783. He succeeded to the title of 2nd Baronet Rowley of Tendring, Suffolk, on 26 February 1790. He became the Sheriff of Suffolk in 1791 and was an MP for Suffolk from 1812 to 1830. He married Susanna Edith Harland (d. 1850), daughter of Admiral Sir Robert Harland, 1st Bt Harland, and Susanna Reynold, in March 1785. He died on 20 October 1832. A pastel watercolour by Daniel Gardner of Rowley in military uniform was sold Christie's, London, 14 June 1977, lot 196.