'The Horrid Popish Plot': Roger L'Estrange and the Circulation of Political Discourse in Late Seventeenth-Century London

by Peter Hinds

The Popish plot was an alleged Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Charles II and re-introduce the Catholic faith to England. Despite it being a fiction, belief in the plot became widespread and many innocent Catholics were sent to their deaths.

Moving away from the focus of recent histories of the plot, which remain predominately in the realms of parliamentary discussion, courts of law and the councils of the King, this volume considers how details of the plot circulated more broadly. It investigates the many media used, primarily print, but also manuscript and word of mouth, for instance in books, pamphlets, newspapers, and ballads.

The most prolific commentator on the Popish plot was Roger L'Estrange, the press censor during the reigns of Charles II and James II. L'Estrange was interested in the working of the London book trade at this time, and as one who did not believe there was a Popish plot, wrote prolifically in order publicly to cast doubt upon it. L'Estrange's writings provide us with valuable insights into the production, dissemination, and reception of political opinion in this period.

Drawing on the latest insights of literary studies, political history, and the history of the book and reading this volume will further understanding in how belief in such an extraordinary plot took hold amongst so many.

472 pages, Hardcover

First published April 12, 2010

Reviews

[Karen Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a well-written, intensively researched book that examines "the Horrid Popish Plot" of 1678-1681, in the broad context of the times. Hinds explores the plot, and its main instigator, Titus Oates, as something that arose, not only out of a dysfunctional man's zeal and desire for infamy, money, and whatever else he thought he might gain, but also through the lens of historical political and religious precedents which fuelled fears and prejudices about Catholicism. What Hinds also does is look at the role of press, by focussing mainly on the Surveyor of the Press and prolific writer, Roger L'Estrange, a devout Tory who was almost alone in calling out the Popish Plot for what it was -the Machiavellian invention of one man, who was then supported as others thought to gain from his testimonies. That they gained traction, Hinds argues, was not so much de to the zeal and collective hysteria of a nation (as some have argued), but due to recent history and the anxieties generated by rebellion, change, even the Great Fire, the Restoration itself and the religion of various leaders. Pamphlets, books and all manner of publications were rife throughout this period and, along with coffee houses, the growing literacy of the populace, the popularity of the theatre, contributed to the dissemination of political discourse and the stoking of discord and division. A fascinating, terrific read for students of history or anyone interested in this period and its uncanny parallels to now.

[Ereck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most welcome contribution to the study of the Popish Plot and L'Estrange. I'm particularly thankful for the literary or, more aptly, textual focus of Hinds' methodology.