William Allen (1532 – 16 October 1594) is an English Roman Catholic priest and cardinal.

Allen helps plan the Spanish Armada's invasion of England, and was to have been Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor had it succeeded.

The Douai Bible is printed under Allen's direction.

His activities are part of the Counter Reformation, but make matters worse for Roman Catholics in England.

He influences Pope Pius V to depose Elizabeth I.

After the Bill of Deposition is issued, Elizabeth chooses not to continue her policy of religious tolerance and instead begins the persecution of her religious opponents.