ABSTRACT
In 1685, England was divided into four districts by the Papacy – London, Midland, Western, Northern – in each of which a papal vicar exercised the authority normally possessed by the ordinary (bishop). In law Roman Catholic priests faced the penalties of high treason for saying Mass; unlicensed teachers could be fined 40s a day; laymen refusing to take an oath denying the spiritual authority of the Pope were guilty of recusancy. This meant they could not hold any office, keep arms, go to Italy, travel more than five miles without licence, or be executor, guardian, doctor or lawyer. They could not sit in Parliament nor on corporations. The nearest Protestant kin could claim lands from a Roman Catholic heir. Roman Catholics were also subject to double land tax.
