William Lancaster (Queen's)

William Lancaster (1650-1717) was an English clergyman and academic who served as Provost of The Queen's College, Oxford, from 1704 until his death. He was born in Sockbridge, Westmorland (now Cumbria).

Lancaster matriculated at The Queen's College in 1669, graduating B.A. in 1673, M.A. in 1676, B.D. in 1687, and D.D. in 1692. He became a Fellow of the College in 1679. He was ordained and served as Rector of Padworth, Berkshire. He held several college offices before being elected Provost upon the death of Timothy Halton in 1704.

As Provost, Lancaster oversaw a period of significant building activity at The Queen's College, much of which was funded by the will of Robert Harley. While the actual construction of the iconic Baroque front quadrangle commenced after his death, Lancaster was instrumental in planning and preparing for the work, securing funding and overseeing initial demolition and preparatory work. He is credited with laying the foundation for the architectural transformation of the college into its modern form.

He died on January 27, 1717, and is buried in the College Chapel. His legacy rests primarily on his role in initiating the rebuilding of The Queen's College, Oxford.