A printed handbill entitled: ‘Six Mature Articles’, Dec 1688-Jan 1689. Catalogue ref: SP 31/4/217
This document outlines William’s motives for coming to England, and the specific object of his expedition.
James Francis Edward Stuart (1688-1766) was born to James II (1633-1701) and his second wife, Mary of Modena (1658-1718) on 10 June 1688. His birth was a subject of national controversy.
Transcript
Six Mature Articles
- No Clayme [Claim] to the Crowne
- That the Imposter be returned to his Natural Parents
- That the King’s Murtherers [Murderers] be brought to trial
- That the succession of the Crown may be secured, and six Noblemen to be sureties, [legal guarantors] of which the Lord Halifax to be one.
- That the Church of England may be secured of all its Rights as by Law established.
- That Toleration be allowed to all Dissenters, except the Roman Catholics, and they to be turned out of all places of Trust.
- What does it suggest about the specific objects of William’s expedition?
- Who might the ‘imposter’ be?
- Which King is alleged to be murdered?
- Why do you think William declared his aim that the ‘Kings Murtherers be brought to trial’?
- What is the writer’s view on Catholics? What might ‘all places of Trust’ refer to?
- Why is this printed handbill been produced? What does this suggest about the nature of the source?