Medieval Europe, with its crusading fervour, is not generally thought of as a place of tolerance; divergence from the norm, whether social, political or religious, was not acceptable. Nederman argues, however, that tolerance and liberalism had their supporters across Europe during this time and that inter-religious and political dialogue took place. This study discusses the motivation behind the work of philosophers and religious thinkers including, amongst others, Abelard, Marsiglio of Padua and John of Salisbury.