1580

Thought crime

Every repressive regime seeks to control free thought as it is expressed in literature, or in the classroom, at some point. In 1580, the Privy Council warns all diocese against the corruptive influence of Catholic sympathizers in schools. In towns like Stratford, where the majority of schoolmasters were old Catholics, State informers are primed to report any behavior by teachers that might be considered disloyal to the crown.