William French (priest)

William French (born circa 1815, died 1898) was an Irish Anglican priest and academic. He served as Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, from 1849 to 1885.

French was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge, graduating as Senior Wrangler in 1839. He was elected a Fellow of Pembroke and ordained as a priest in the Church of England.

In 1849, he was elected Master of Jesus College. During his long tenure, he oversaw significant improvements to the college's finances and buildings. He was known for his conservative views and his dedication to the well-being of the college. He also served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge on multiple occasions.

He resigned as Master of Jesus College in 1885 and was succeeded by Henry Arthur Morgan. William French died in 1898 and is buried in the Jesus College Chapel.