Catholic Emancipation, Act of

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Catholic Emancipation, Act of (1829) Measure by which the statutes (dating back to the Reformation) barring Roman Catholics in Britain from holding civil office or sitting in Parliament were repealed. Emancipation was achieved through a series of acts. In 1778 restrictions against land purchase and inheritance were lifted. In 1791 further restrictions were removed, and by 1793 Catholics were allowed in the services, universities and judiciary. Daniel O'Connell wrung the final concession, allowing catholics to sit in Parliament, from the Duke of Wellington's government.

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Catholic Emancipation, Act of

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