West Yorkshire, Roman Catholic Oath Records, 1714-1787, 1829

This collection contains lists and certificates of Roman Catholics failing to take the oaths of abjuration, allegiance and supremacy which were a part of an act passed by parliament in 1715.

Historical Background

During this time, it was assumed that members of the state church were loyal to the realm, whereas members of the Roman Catholic Church were not. Under this act, Roman Catholics were required to register their names and real estates with the Clerk of the Peace of the county where they owned property in order to attest to their loyalty. Those who refused to swear the oath were liable to be imprisoned. Convicted recusants were ordered to receive Anglican communion once a year or face a fine or seizure of their property. Recusants were also barred from office and professions including the military and informers were paid £50 for revealing a priest saying mass or persons attending mass. The obligation was repealed in 1791.

Also included in this collection is an1829 register of Roman Catholic Priests, gathered as a result of the passing of the Roman Catholic Relief Act by Parliament.

Details given include name, age, residence place, residence date, and birth place.