John Somers was against such a measure; but Sidney Godolphin, who was believed to be personally alluded to in one of these harangues under the nickname of "Volpone," urged the necessity of a prosecution and gained the day.
Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin (c. 1640–1712), leading British politician, MP for Helston in Cornwall 1665–Feb 1679, Sept 1679–1685
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Although he voted for the Exclusion Bill in 1680, he was continued in office after the dismissal of Sunderland, and in September 1684 he was created Baron Godolphin of Rialton, and succeeded Rochester as First Lord of the Treasury.
He represented the family borough of Helston in Parliament from 1665 until 1679, but his career was overshadowed by that of his younger brother, Sidney, who rose to be First Lord of the Treasury and was granted a peerage and later an earldom; another brother, Henry, took holy orders and ended as Dean of St Paul's and Provost of Eton.
His grandparents were the Lord and Lady Godolphin and the Earl and Countess of Marlborough.