William Craven (Master of St John's College, Cambridge)

William Craven (1745-1815) was an English clergyman and academic who served as Master of St John's College, Cambridge, from 1789 until his death. He was born in 1745 and educated at St John's College, Cambridge, graduating as Senior Wrangler in 1766. He was elected a Fellow of St John's in 1768 and was ordained a priest in the Church of England.

Craven was appointed University Librarian in 1769, a position he held until 1771. He was subsequently elected Master of St John's College in 1789, succeeding William Samuel Powell. As Master, he oversaw a period of relative stability and academic progress at the college. He was known for his administrative capabilities and for promoting classical scholarship.

Craven also held the Regius Professorship of Divinity from 1795 until his death. He was a respected theologian and preacher, although he published relatively little during his lifetime. He died in 1815 and was succeeded as Master of St John's College by James Wood. His tenure is remembered for contributing to the college's academic reputation and for his dedicated service to the University of Cambridge.