In the wake of the Popish Plot Catholics were excluded from Parliament, some were arrested, and some were killed. This was only one of a series of real or alleged Catholic plots against the king. Social conditions during the 17th century were abysmal. Laws were harsh, and religious non-conformists and Catholics faced heavy discrimination. On the other hand, things were so much better in England than elsewhere in Europe that England was an example of model government to such continental commentators as Voltaire and Montesquieu.
Perspective is everything.
The English Civil War and After and The English Civil War and The Tudor and Jacobean Country House and The English Civil War Day by Day Britain Update Great travel tips and news from Britain in our free newsletter.