This paper seeks to explore who the legislators and actors of surveillance of the inward private space of the mind were in 16th century England, how such surveillance was performed, which means were used and how subjects reacted to such surveillance.

The paper formed part of a greater panel on Privacy Studies. On this panel, notions of privacy in 17th century Versailles were explored by Natália da Silva Perez and 18th century privacy in Copenhagen was explored by Pernille Ulla Knudsen and Helle Vogt. In addition, the panel began with an introduction to the field of Privacy Studies. This overview of the visions and ambitions of the Centre for Privacy Studies was given by professor and Centre Leader, Mette Birkedal Bruun.