Satirical English pamphlets signed by the pseudonymous “Martin Marprelate”, which appeared in 1588–89. They featured scurrilous attacks on Anglican bishops, and were the work of Presbyterians who wished to discredit the episcopacy. Elizabeth I, angered by them, prompted a search for the secret presses on which they were printed. Star Chamber prosecutions of leading ministers followed. Having appeared at a time when Presbyterian fortunes were already at a low ebb, the tracts probably served to discredit the movement still further with the public.