William Laud (1573–1645) is an English bishop and academic.

He is the Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633, during the personal rule of Charles I.

Arrested in 1640, he is executed in 1645.

In matters of church polity, Laud is autocratic.

Laudianism refers to a collection of rules on matters of ritual, in particular, that are enforced by Laud in order to maintain uniform worship in England and Wales, in line with the king's preferences.

They are precursors to later High Church views.

In theology, Laud is accused of being an Arminian and opponent of Calvinism, as well as covertly favoring Roman Catholic doctrines (see Arminianism in the Church of England).

On all three grounds, he is regarded by Puritan clerics and laymen as a formidable and dangerous opponent.

Laud favors scholars, and is a major collector of manuscripts.

He pursues ecumenical contacts with the Greek Orthodox Church.

The pun "give great praise to the Lord, and little Laud to the devil" is a warning to King Charles attributed to Archibald Armstrong, the official court jester.

Laud is known to be touchy about his diminutive stature.