Introduction

Abstract

Abstract With the dawning of the nineteenth century, the position of Catholics in England improved. The second repeal of the penal laws in 1791 led to a feeling of distinct political optimism amongst Catholics, and this, in combination with a host of political and moral factors, led inexorably to issues of full Catholic emancipation. Catholic agitation for change was soon redoubled, and in 1805 a ‘claim to the elective franchise’ was put forward by Lord Grenville in the House of Lords regarding the ‘Catholic Question’. Over the next four teen years and after some thirty-two bills and motions had been laid before each House, a Roman Catholic Emancipation Act was ratified in 1829 in both Houses, ensuring Catholics the fullest entitlement of civil liberties then to date. This ultimately afforded Catholics the prospect of a re-established ecclesiastical hierarchy, which, after Roman consent, was effected in 1850.