William Cartwright (1 September 1611 – 29 November 1643) was an English poet, dramatist and churchman.

He matriculated from Christ Church, Oxford on 24 February 1632 aged 20, and was awarded BA on 5 June 1632.

[2] Anthony Wood gives an account of his origin as son of a country gentleman turned innkeeper which is contradicted by statements made in David Lloyd's Memoirs.

He died of camp fever (epidemic typhus) at Oxford aged 32 and was buried in Christ Church Cathedral.

he produced a comedy of real life, in imitation of Jonson, representing pot-house society.