William Alabaster, English poet (d. 1640)

William Alabaster (also Alablaster, Arblastier) (27 February 1567 – buried 28 April 1640) was an English poet, playwright, and religious writer.Alabaster became a Roman Catholic convert in Spain when on a diplomatic mission as chaplain. His religious beliefs led him to be imprisoned several times; eventually he gave up Catholicism, and was favoured by James I. He received a prebend in St Paul's Cathedral, London, and the living of Therfield, Hertfordshire. He died at Little Shelford, Cambridgeshire.