1586–1592

Abstract In 1586, Decrees for Orders in Printing changed the licensing of printed books, placing a church High Commission in charge, using clerical licensers. Why did this not expand to licensing plays for performance? Scandalous attacks on the church hierarchy by ‘Martin Marprelate’ involved the players, despite Tilney’s attempts to restrain them. His powers are still limited: a commission to regulate playing is suggested, involving both the City and the church, as well as Tilney, but nothing comes of it. The City tries to buy Tilney out, but fails. The chapter concludes with reflections on Christopher Marlowe: despite his notoriety there is no evidence that Tilney censored his plays. Only posthumously was Dr Faustus subject to Parliament’s 1606 Act of Abuses, forbidding blasphemous reference to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit on stage.