William Tresham (1495–1569) was an English priest in the Tudor period and an official of the University of Oxford.
He was a "theological conservative" during the turbulent religious changes during his lifetime, and was regarded as "forthright, active, and intelligent.
"[1] By 1551, his views of the religious line taken by Edward VI led to his imprisonment in the Fleet Prison, but he was released when Mary I came to the throne in 1553, with whose opinions he was more in sympathy.
He refused, however, to swear the required oath of supremacy when Elizabeth I came to power, although he had offered her congratulations upon her succession on behalf of Oxford (along with the Warden of Merton, Thomas Raynolds).
As a result, he was removed from all his positions, save only the rectory of Towcester, and held at Lambeth Palace until he promised not to interfere with religious matters.