John Biddle (Unitarian)

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See also: John Biddle (Michigan)

John Biddle (January 14, 1615 – September 22, 1662) was an influential nontrinitarian in England and the founder of Unitarianism.

Born in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, he studied at Magdalen Hall, Oxford. At the age of twenty-six, he became headmaster of the Crypt Grammar School, Gloucester.

The school had links to Gloucester Cathedral, and since he was obliged to teach his pupils according to the Catechism of the Church of England, he immersed himself in the study of the Bible.

He concluded from his studies that the doctrine of the Trinity was not supported by the Bible, and set about publishing his own views on the nature of God. He is believed to have translated the Racovian Catechism into English.