John Rudd

John Rudd (1568 – 13 July 1640) was an English clergyman who served as Vicar of Shephall, Hertfordshire, from the late sixteenth century until his death. Early in his career he became involved in a celebrated dispute at the University of Cambridge after preaching views regarded as sympathetic to Puritanism, bringing him into conflict with the Vice-Chancellor, John Jegon, and Archbishop John Whitgift. He later became known as a preacher, scholar and benefactor, whose will established charitable endowments in Hertfordshire and County Durham.

Early life and education

The circumstances of Rudd's birth are uncertain. William Urwick stated that he was born in 1568 and educated at Christ's College, Cambridge. However, the entry in Alumni Cantabrigienses identifies a John Rudd who later became Vicar of Shephall as the son of William Rudd of Norfolk. He entered Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, in 1583 before migrating to St John's College and subsequently Christ's College, graduating BA in 1587–88 and proceeding MA in 1591.

Evidence from Rudd's will has led some historians to suggest that he may instead have been the son of the Revd John Rudd, prebendary of Durham Cathedral and former chaplain to Edward VI, although this identification remains uncertain.

Rudd acquired a reputation as a conscientious pastor and scholar. An inventory of his library compiled after his death records works by leading Protestant theologians, including William Perkins and Joseph Hall, together with patristic and classical authors, reflecting both Reformed theology and conventional Anglican scholarship. Venn recorded the opening lines of its monumental inscription:

Son of Thunder, Son of the Dove. Full of Hot Zeal, full of True Love. In preaching Truth, in living right, A burning Lamp, a shining Light.