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William Sancroft

(1617-1693), Archbishop of Canterbury

Later Stuart Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 29 portraits
As Dean of St Paul's Cathedral he contributed to the rebuilding after the Great Fire of London in 1666. He was made Archbishop of Canterbury in 1677. Anti-Catholic, he crowned King James II, the last Catholic monarch, in 1685. In 1688 he was one of the seven bishops who signed a petition asking James to reconsider his policy of religious tolerance to Catholics. All were sent to the Tower. Later that year seven members of the House of Lords asked William, Prince of Orange to overthrow his father-in-law James. Agreeing with the removal of James, Sancroft refused to swear allegiance to William and Mary when they acceded to the throne in 1689 and in 1690 he was deprived of his post.

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William Sancroft, by Robert White, published by  Thomas Basset, published by  Thomas Fox - NPG D30876

William Sancroft

by Robert White, published by Thomas Basset, published by Thomas Fox
line engraving, published 1689
NPG D30876

The Seven Bishops committed to the Tower in 1688, by Robert White, published by  Thomas Basset, published by  Thomas Fox - NPG D18862

The Seven Bishops committed to the Tower in 1688

by Robert White, published by Thomas Basset, published by Thomas Fox
line engraving, published 1689
NPG D18862

William Sancroft, by William Elder, after  Edward Lutterell (Luttrell) - NPG D20998

William Sancroft

by William Elder, after Edward Lutterell (Luttrell)
line engraving, 1693 or after
NPG D20998

William Sancroft, by George Vertue, after  David Loggan - NPG D30875

William Sancroft

by George Vertue, after David Loggan
stipple and line engraving, circa 1700-1750
NPG D30875

William Sancroft, after David Loggan - NPG D30880

William Sancroft

after David Loggan
line engraving, early 18th century
NPG D30880

William Sancroft, by George Vertue, after  David Loggan - NPG D20999

William Sancroft

by George Vertue, after David Loggan
stipple and line engraving, circa 1700-1750
NPG D20999

Web image not currently available

The Seven Bishops Committed to the Tower in 1688

possibly published by John Smith, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, 1688
NPG D11942

Web image not currently available

The Seven Bishops Committed to the Tower in 1688

possibly published by John Smith, after Unknown artist
mezzotint, 1688
NPG D19922

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