Whitgift, John (1530?-1604), archbishop of Canterbury, was a staunch defender of the Church of England’s faith, constitution, and ritual. He resisted Puritan attempts to reorganize the church on Presbyterian lines and made use of church courts to repress the Puritans. His own faith was Calvinistic, and he encouraged some reforms, including improved training for the clergy. He founded and endowed the Whitgift schools and almshouses in Croydon, now part of Greater London.
Whitgift was born in Grimsby, Humberside. He was educated at Cambridge University, where he became master of Trinity College, professor of divinity, and vice chancellor of the University. He was ordained in 1560 and served as Dean of Lincoln and Bishop of Worcester before Elizabeth I chose him as archbishop of Canterbury in 1583.
