James Nayler
James Nayler, engraving, 17th century; he is depicted with the letter B, for blasphemy, branded on his forehead as part of his punishment by Parliament.
James Nayler
English religious leader
Also known as: James Naylor
James Nayler (born 1618, Ardsley, Yorkshire, England—died October 1660, London) was one of the most prominent early English Quakers. Nayler served in the Parliamentary army (1642–51) in the English Civil Wars and was for two years quartermaster under the general John Lambert. During this period he began preaching as an Independent until in 1651, after a meeting with George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends, at Wakefield, he became a Quaker. For three...