Key Events and Legislation- Catholic Emancipation (1829)
Context
It was discovered in 1722 that there was Catholic involvement in an alleged plot to restore Stuart rule to the throne. This lead to legislation which forced Catholics to pay 'papists tax'- in its simplest form, a tax for being Catholic. However, over the 16th and 17th centuries the Catholic community grew and therefore there was less repression against them as they grew to be a part of normal life in Britain. Indeed, many penalties against Catholicism which were previously encouraged began to be imposed more and more infrequently.
How Did it Start?
The call for political rights for Catholics began largely due to the Act of Union in 1800. Most of the Irish population was made up of Catholics, yet they were not allowed to become MP's. It was in 1823 when barrister and Irishman, Daniel O'Connell, formed a group called the Catholic Association which fought for full public and political rights. They ended up creating a nationwide movement in Ireland. This was cause for great concern in Parliament as there was the uncertainty which Catholic Emancipation brought. However the greater concerns about losing control in Ireland meant that Parliament passed the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829.
Legislation
There are three main parts to this section- the Catholic Emancipation Act, the Catholic Relief Acts, and the Test and Corporations Acts.
The Catholic Emancipation Act:
Click here for the page on the Irish Union
It was discovered in 1722 that there was Catholic involvement in an alleged plot to restore Stuart rule to the throne. This lead to legislation which forced Catholics to pay 'papists tax'- in its simplest form, a tax for being Catholic. However, over the 16th and 17th centuries the Catholic community grew and therefore there was less repression against them as they grew to be a part of normal life in Britain. Indeed, many penalties against Catholicism which were previously encouraged began to be imposed more and more infrequently.
How Did it Start?
The call for political rights for Catholics began largely due to the Act of Union in 1800. Most of the Irish population was made up of Catholics, yet they were not allowed to become MP's. It was in 1823 when barrister and Irishman, Daniel O'Connell, formed a group called the Catholic Association which fought for full public and political rights. They ended up creating a nationwide movement in Ireland. This was cause for great concern in Parliament as there was the uncertainty which Catholic Emancipation brought. However the greater concerns about losing control in Ireland meant that Parliament passed the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829.
Legislation
There are three main parts to this section- the Catholic Emancipation Act, the Catholic Relief Acts, and the Test and Corporations Acts.
The Catholic Emancipation Act:
- Passed under Wellington's Ministry by Peel
- Catholics could sit as MP's- went against Anglican Constitution which made Peel unpopular
- Catholics able to work in public offices, except as Lord Chancellor, Monarch, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and any Judicial positions in ecclesiastical courts (courts relating to Christianity)- whilst this seems like many limitations, it had lifted most restrictions
- However, Irish electorate was cut significantly
The Catholic Relief Acts:
- Made up of two Acts under the same name
- First one passed in 1778
- Did not grant freedom of worship
- Catholics now allowed join the army and buy land if they swear their allegiance
- Many opposed to it- sent a long petition into Parliament, several days of rioting in London
- Second, amended Act passed in 1791
- Under this one, Catholics had freedom of worship but had to have their own schools, own public offices etc.
- In response to the reformation of England and establishment of the Church of England
- Prevented all non-Anglicans from holding public office, being able to vote, sitting in Parliament
- Applied in Ireland as well
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