John Jewel

Born in Devon in 1522, John Jewel studied at Oxford and became one of the most important Protestant churchmen of his time. During the reign of Mary I he went into exile on the continent, then returned to England after Elizabeth I came to the throne.

He served as Bishop of Salisbury from 1559 until his death in 1571 and became known as a powerful defender of the reformed English church. His best-known work, Apology of the Church of England, set out a clear case for the Church of England's beliefs and place within Christian history.

Remembered as both a bishop and a controversial writer, he played a major part in defining Anglican identity in its early years. His books and sermons continued to matter long after his death, especially for readers interested in the religious struggles of Tudor England.