Peter Talbot
Archived: 14 October 2026
In 1678, the English Popish Plot panic transformed Irish government despite no rebellion or parliament. Lord Lieutenant Ormond pursued revenue collection, army support and land titles, but proposed legislation failed to resolve Restoration property disputes. Catholic structures remained active: Oliver Plunkett held a synod, while Nicholas French died in exile. Peter Talbot, archbishop of Dublin, returned conditionally in May but was arrested in October and imprisoned without evidence. Thereafter proclamations expelled clergy, suppressed religious institutions, disarmed Catholics, restricted access to garrisons and demanded enforcement by officials. These measures intensified sectarian insecurity, while trade, civic regulation and unresolved political tensions continued.
