William Laud (Archbishop of Canterbury)

William Laud (1573–1645) was an influential Archbishop of Canterbury in early 17th-century England, serving under King Charles I. He aimed to unify church practices and promote a more formal, outwardly religious approach aligned with Anglican traditions. Laud supported the use of elaborate ceremonies and resisted Puritan efforts to simplify worship. His emphasis on order and authority in church matters contributed to tensions with Puritans and Parliament, eventually leading to his arrest and execution during the English Civil War. Overall, Laud shaped the Anglican church's development but also became a controversial figure due to his perceived enforcement of religious uniformity.