This week in Christian history: Sudanese saint baptized; English archbishop beheaded

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 08, 2023

William Laud beheaded – Jan. 10, 1645

William Laud (1573-1645), the archbishop of Canterbury under King Charles I who was beheaded in response to his efforts to crack down on the Puritans and for going against Parliament. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Canterbury Archbishop William Laud, an important political advisor to King Charles I who tried to curb the influence of the Puritans, was beheaded.

During his time as archbishop, Laud sought to advance ideas that went against the growing Puritan trends in England, such as more ritualized worship and advancing the idea that free will played a role in salvation, which went against the Calvinist views of the Puritans.

His efforts to criminally punish Puritans and impose Anglican worship on Scottish Presbyterians caused great religious upheaval in Great Britain, which spilled over into the political realm and helped to fuel civil war.

“Defenders of Parliament and Puritan leaders detested the Laudian reforms and blamed Laud for manipulating Charles and sought to seek revenge. This led to Laud’s arrest and eventual trial in 1644,” wrote Abigail Sparkes of Historic UK.

“Many politicians hoped that, due to Laud’s age, he would simply die in prison to avoid executing the anointed Archbishop of Canterbury. However, to the disappointment of many Parliamentarians, Laud survived the trial and was later beheaded at Tower Hill on 10th January 1645 after being found guilty of high treason.”