‘The Horrid Popish Plot’ Playing Cards

Object Description

‘The Horrid Popish Plot’ Playing Cards
Paper, print
England
17th Century

Object History

Ex Private English collection
Ex Private collection

Object Literature

J. R. S. Whiting: ‘A Handful of History’, Alan Sutton, 1978

During the fourth quarter of the 17th century and the first two of the 18th century a significant number of ‘political’ and ‘educational’ packs of cards were produced in various European countries. In England there were produced about a dozen packs depicting current and occasionally historic political events, mostly demonising the Catholics. All are rare, the more so if complete and in fine condition like this example. 
This pack, ‘The Horrid Popish Plot’, is known in several versions extending into the 18th century, the first designed by Francis Barlow and advertised by Robert Walton in 1679. The theme is of uncorroborated and fictitious accusations by the discredited Titus Oates (1649 – 1705) and others against plotters attempting to murder Charles II in order to bring his Catholic brother James to the throne.

Object Details