James Nayler: The Quaker Who Rode Into Bristol

On a cold, rainy day in October 1656, early Quaker leader James Nayler rode into the city of Bristol on a horse. He was surrounded by his followers singing “hosanna” and laying garments in his path in a re-enactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. 

But by December, Nayler had been convicted of blasphemy, had his forehead branded with a B, and faced other public humiliations before being locked away in Bridewell Prison.

We’ve got questions. 

On this week’s episode, we’ve assembled an all-star team of Quaker historians to discuss the Nayler incident. Why did Nayler do it? What was he trying to accomplish? Why was the government response so brutal? How was the incident a turning point for the Quaker movement, and what questions does it bring up for Quakers today?

Join us, along with historians Stuart Masters, Carole Spencer, Doug Gwyn, and Max Carter (with a special appearance from Johnny Dean of “Delicious Digger Memes for Seventeenth Century Dissident Teens”!) in an attempt to answer these questions, and more. 

Check out our episode page for more on our guests, discussion questions, and a copy of the transcript.

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