John Davenport was an English clergyman and a prominent figure in the early 17th century. He is best known for founding the city of New Haven, Connecticut in 1638, where he served as a minister. Davenport was a key proponent of the Puritan movement, advocating for a strict religious community based on his beliefs. In addition to his role in establishing New Haven, Davenport was involved in the formation of the New Haven Colony. He played a significant role in the colony's governance and its commitment to a theocratic system, which emphasized the importance of religious law in civil matters.