an English writer known for his plays, poems, and collection of proverbs. Although he is best known as a playwright, he was also active as a musician and composer, though no musical works survive. Heywood was retained at four subsequent royal courts (Henry, Edward, Mary, Elizabeth), despite the unpopular political views of his family and him. Heywood was a devout Catholic, and there are signs that he was a favourite of King Henry despite his political beliefs (Henry despite his split with Rome was a staunch believer in the Catholic faith).
