Ralph Cudworth (died 1624)

Ralph Cudworth (/reɪf ˈkʊdɜːrθ/ rayf KUUD-urth; 1572/3–1624) was a scholar and conforming Anglican clergyman of puritan sympathy who is best known as the father of the philosopher Ralph Cudworth (1617–88), and the Plymouth Colony emigrant, soldier, and colonist, General James Cudworth (1612–82).

A student, graduate, and Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, he was recognized by his more famous contemporaries for his scholarship and preaching. He was Rector of the College living of Aller, Somerset (1610–24), and later became one of the chaplains to James I. His own calling and university connections provide the intellectual background to the careers of his children, reinforced by family connections, through his marriage with the puritan magistracy and promoters of the nonconformist emigrations to New England.