JOHN (1576-1641), a learned English prelate, was born at London, where his father was a wealthy merchant. He was educated at Queen's College, Cambridge, and ultimately became Margaret professor of divinity, and master of his college. He was sent to the synod of Dort in 1618; and three years after was elevated to the see of Salisbury. His principal works are an Exposition of the Epistle to the Colossians, and Prelections on certain disputed points in theology, including a Treatise on Justification.

Sir William, a distinguished dramatic poet of the seventeenth century, was born in 1605 at Oxford, where his father kept the Crown Inn. He was entered at Lincoln College, Oxford, and on leaving the university became page to the Duchess of Richmond, and afterwards entered the service of Lord Brooke. On the death of Ben Jonson he was created poet-laureate; but political troubles compelled him almost immediately afterwards to retire to France. On his return he was knighted by the king, at the siege of Gloucester, in 1643; but after a short residence in England, he again retired to France, where he rendered himself still more obnoxious to the king by changing his religion and engaging in the service of Henrietta Maria, the queen-mother. By her he was commissioned to undertake an expedition to Virginia; but having been captured at sea, he was taken prisoner and thrown into the Tower. At the intercession of Milton and others he was liberated, and established a theatre, on the stage of which he exhibited declamations illustrative of moral virtue, accompanied by recitative music. After the Restoration, the regular drama reappeared upon the stage, but most of Davenant's pieces were disfigured by the combination of English and French styles. His works consist chiefly of dramas and addresses. Gondibert, an unfinished epic, was written during his residence in Paris, and is dedicated to Hobbes. He died in 1668, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. In imitation of Ben Jonson's epitaph, his tomb bears the inscription, "O rare Sir William Davenant." In personal appearance Davenant bore a striking resemblance to Shakespeare. A story was current in his own day that he was an illegitimate child of the great poet, who, on his journeys to London, had frequently put up at his father's inn. Certain it is that Davenant never discounted the circulation of such a rumour. His son, Dr Charles Davenant (1656-1714), was inspector of plays to James II., and attracted considerable attention by his Essay on Trade, and his pamphlets on the political and financial measures of the day.