Page "Recusancy" Paragraph 4

The first statute to address sectarian dissent from England's official religion was issued in 1593 under Elizabeth I and specifically targeted Catholics, under the title " An Act for restraining Popish recusants ".

It defined " Popish recusants " as those " convicted for not repairing to some Church, Chapel, or usual place of Common Prayer to hear Divine Service there, but forbearing the same contrary to the tenor of the laws and statutes heretofore made and provided in that behalf.

" Other acts also targeted Catholic recusants, including statutes passed under James I and Charles I, as well as laws defining other offences deemed to be acts of recusancy.

Recusants were subject to various civil disabilities and penalties under English penal laws, most of which were repealed during the Regency and reign of George IV ( 1811 – 30 ).

The Nuttall Encyclopædia notes that Dissenters were largely forgiven by the Act of Toleration under William III, while Catholics " were not entirely emancipated till 1829 ".