July 2016 Auction Ends Thursday, July 21st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/21/2016
King Charles II broadside from 1678 putting a bounty on named suspects in the infamous Popish Plot. The ''plot'' was a hoax contrived by Titus Oates in which the King was led to believe the Catholic church planned to assassinate him. Charles' paranoia is evident here as he desperately calls on his subjects to perpetuate a witch hunt on his behalf, offering 100 pounds for the apprehension of four men: Conniers, Symons, Walsh and Beeston. Before the scare was over, more than a dozen people were executed of the 80 accused by Oates. When his treachery was exposed Oates was subjected to corporal punishment so severe it formed the basis of England's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Measures 14'' x 20'', mounted to paper. Foxing, toning and creasing; in near fine condition given its age.
Broadside Issued by King Charles II Calling on His Subjects to Act as Bounty Hunters -- 1678
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