Popish Plot

Popish Plot (1678–81), a supposed English Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Charles II (see Restoration), invented by Titus Oates, a disgraced Anglican clergyman briefly turned Catholic seminarian, and vigorously exploited by the Whig Party. In contrast to England, where eighteen priests and several laymen were executed, reactions in Ireland were relatively restrained, partly at least because there was no meeting of parliament there. Ormond's government issued a proclamation (16 Oct. 1678) banishing bishops and members of religious orders, and closing Catholic churches in cities and towns. A number of bishops and regulars were imprisoned, including Peter Talbot, archbishop of Dublin, who died in custody. But charges against Lord Tyrone and other Catholic laymen were rejected by grand juries, and there were no executions. The most famous Irish victim of the plot, Oliver Plunkett, drawn in only because he was brought to Shaftesbury's attention at a time when the English plot needed new momentum, was tried and executed in London.