James Martineau (1805-1900) was an Norwich born English religious philosopher influential in the history of Unitarianism. Martineau’s writings emphasized the individual human conscience as the primary guide for determining correct behaviour. For 45 years he was lecturer and Principal at Manchester New College where he was responsible for training ministerial students. He wrestled with questions concerning the Bible, sources of authority, the meaning of Christ, the validity of non-Christian religions and the roles of reason and conscience. He instrumental in shaping both Unitarian and general religious thought.