William Laud

William Laud (7 October 1573 – 10 January 1645) was a bishop in the Church of England. Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by Charles I in 1633, Laud was a key advocate of Charles I's religious reforms; he was arrested by Parliament in 1640 and executed towards the end of the First English Civil War in January 1645.

Laud believed in episcopalianism, or rule by bishops. "Laudianism" was a reform movement that emphasised liturgical ceremony and clerical hierarchy, enforcing uniformity within the Church of England, as outlined by Charles. Its often highly ritualistic aspects prefigure what are now known as high church views.

In theology, Laud was accused of Arminianism, covertly favouring Roman Catholic doctrines, and opposing Calvinism. On all three grounds, he was regarded by Puritan clerics and laymen as a dangerous opponent. His use of the court of Star Chamber to persecute opponents such as William Prynne made him deeply unpopular.