They were bitterly attacked in an Anglo-French poem, the "Manuel de Peche," written about the middle of the thirteenth century, and ascribed to Robert Grossetete, who became Bishop of Lincoln in 1235.

Gradually the kind of histrionic monopoly which the Church had long enjoyed was invaded.

Education spread, and many probably found themselves as competent to act as the clergy.
Still, the ecclesiastical performers for some time resisted all attempts to interfere with what they viewed as their especial privileges and vested interests.

In 1378 the scholars or choristers of St.Paul's petitioned Richard II.

to prohibit certain ignorant and inexperienced persons from acting the history of the Old Testament, to the prejudice of the clergy of the Church, who had expended large sums in preparing plays founded upon the same subject.