William Laud (1573 - 1645) was a close advisor of Charles I of England. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633. He was executed in 1645, 5 years after his initial arrest.
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He was born in Reading, Berkshire and died in London.
He believed strongly in the uniformity on the church and was accused of Arminianism, favouring beliefs held or taught in church, a political party, or any other group.