BOOK, Trial and execution of Viscount Stafford 1680 / The Popish Plot.

The tryal of William Viscount Stafford for High Treason, in conspiring the death of the King, the extirpation of the Protestant Religion, the subversion of the government, and introduction of Popery into this realm. [...] With the manner of his execution on the 29th of the same month [=December 1680].

London 1680/1. Folio. 30 x 19 cm. [2] + 218 pp. Detailed transcripts of what was said during the trial, with a list of the verdicts of each Lord, Earl and Duke (55 guilty against 31 not guilty) and an account of Stafford’s execution.

[Bound with:]

Stafford’s memoires: or a brief and impartial account of the birth and quality, imprisonment, tryal, principles, declaration, comportment, devotion, last speech, and final end of William, Late Lord Viscount Stafford, beheaded upon Tower-hill on Wednesday the 29. of December 1681 [recte 1680]. Published for rectifying all mistakes upon this subject. [...] Hereunto is also annexed a short appendix concerning some passages in Stephen Colledges trial.

Printed in the year 1681 & London 1682. Folio. [2] + 76; + [2] + 32 pp.

Old full panelled calf, rubbed & rebacked, endleaves a little stained, worn and frayed, rear flyleaf torn, ownership inscription dated 1724 crossed out on front flyleaf, signature inked out on title. Internally fine, with just the occasional small stain.

Viscount Stafford was an innocent victim of the “Popish Plot”, a fictitious conspiracy concocted by Titus Oates that between 1678 and 1681 gripped the Kingdoms of England and Scotland in anti-Catholic hysteria. Oates alleged that there was an extensive Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Charles II, accusations that led to the executions of at least 22 men. Stephen Colledge was one of the bitterest opponents of Lord Stafford, and exulted over his condemnation and death. He was himself tried and executed in 1681.

See description.