Biddle, John. Born in 1615. Religious controversialist, known as "the father of the English Unitarians." Was sent to prison for heresy, and his book was ordered by the House of Commons to be burnt. In 1648, for the publication of his "Confession of Faith," he was condemned to death, but the sentence was commuted. He was released in 1652, only to be again imprisoned by order of the House of Commons. Cromwell subsequently banished him to the Scilly Isles; but in 1662 he returned to London, and was again sent to prison, where he died in 1662.

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