Note 677 — Chapter XXV · HUMANISM AND MEDIAEVALISM

S. P. Dom. Mary, viii. 50; P. C. Acts, v. 234, 237; vi. 102, 110, 118, 148, 168, 169. In Feb. 1556 the council sent Lord Rich to inquire into a stage-play to be given at Shrovetide at Hatfield Bradock, Essex, and directed him to stop such assemblies. An order against strolling players who spread sedition and heresy came in May. In June, 1557, performers of ‘naughty’ and ‘lewd’ plays were arrested in London and Canterbury. An order forbade plays throughout the country during the summer. In August a ‘lewd’ play called a ‘Sackfull of News’ was suppressed at the Boar’s Head, Aldgate; and in September plays were forbidden in the city except, after licence by the ordinary, between All Saints and Shrovetide.