Papist returns, 1767
| Suspicion regarding the threat posed by 'papists' was never far
from the surface of political life in the 18th century, and their
involvement in the Jacobite rebellions aimed at restoring the Stuart
dynasty led to the compilation of 'papist returns', Catholics being
compelled to register their names and estates. The register reproduced
here - part of the systematic attempt to place the Catholic community
under closer surveillance - reveals the extent to which rumours and
anti-foreign prejudice abounded. It also provides a fascinating insight
into the socio-economic nature of the Catholic community. HLRO Main Papers (1767) |
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