2. The 1689 Toleration Act + the end of Anglican supremacy

Question 1

What was the 1689 Toleration Act?

Answer 1

The Glorious revolution changed the religious settlement. William was a Calvinist and was keen to secure the support of all Protestants in Britain for his war against Louis XIV. As was the practise in the Netherlands, William was ready to extend toleration to Catholics. In 1689, the King asked the HOC to abandon the religious tests which kept dissenters out of public office. Keen to maintain the political supremacy of the C of E, the predominantly Anglican Parliament passed the Toleration Act which said:
. Most dissenters were exempted from penal laws if they took an oath of allegiance and declared against transubstantiation.
. Most could worship freely in licensed meeting houses which had to keep their doors open.
. They could set up schools for their children.
Religious toleration was not extended to Jews, Catholics or Unitarians.

Question 2

What led Tories to be worried about the end of Anglican supremacy?

Answer 2

William appointed Latitudinarians (moderate Anglicans) as Bishops e.g John Tillotson as Archbishop of Canterbury in 1691. For Tories, these churchmen were not doing enough to prevent the growth of dissent. They were particularly worried about the further growth of Quakerism after the Toleration Act.

Question 3

Why did the period 1689-1701 see a broadening acceptance of a range of Protestants?

Answer 3

This gradual acceptance came not from legislation but from different ways of thinking. As focus on science and reason increased, the dominance of religious ideas shifted. By 1701, due to the Toleration Act, the number and size of Protestant denominations had grown. Catholicism remained strong in northern counties, while dissenting congregations grew in East Anglia. By 1701, Anglican supremacy had come to an end.

Question 4

What happened to the position of Catholicism?

Answer 4

It remained a source of tension. While it slowly became easier for Catholics to worship without interference, they remained a small minority and were subject to prejudice. The 1689 Bill of Rights excluded Catholics from the throne by removing James II and his children from the succession. But it did not say anything about the succession after Anne. Mary died childless and Anne’s only child died. The Act of Settlement 1700 was established to tackle this:
. 57 possible Catholic heirs were excluded.
. The monarch had to be an active member of the C of E, attending services.
. The grandchild of James I, Sophia of Hanover was made next in line.