Nathaniel Woodes, Foxeian Martyrology and the Radical Protestants of Norwich in the 1570s

Abstract

The Conflict of Conscience has been long dismissed as an anachronistic play by a country clergyman out of touch with the times. Taking note of the author's patronage under local magnates of Norwich, however, this article considers the political aspects of the play in terms of its Foxeian rhetoric and anti-Catholic antagonism. On the basis of new evidence suggesting that Nathaniel Woodes was under the aegis of the Puritan aldermen, it concludes the play could have had political significance in Norwich of the 1570s. "The Conflict of Conscience" was possibly one of the popular protests against the anti-Puritan campaign led by the Bishop of Norwich, Edmund Freke. Woodes appropriated Foxeian rhetoric to promote Puritan views and share among the audience awareness of the imminent danger. "The Conflict of Conscience" is probably the earliest case of Puritanism politically affiliated with dramatic entertainment.