In 1678, a handful of perjurers claimed that the Catholics of England planned to assassinate the King Charles II. Men like the “ Reverend Doctor” Titus Oates and “Captain” William Bedloe parlayed their fantastical tales of Irish ruffians, medical poisoners, and silver bullets into public adulation and government pensions. Their political allies used the fabricated plot as a tool to undermine the ministry of Thomas Lord Danby and replace him themselves. The result was the trial and execution of over a dozen innocent Catholics and the imprisonment of many more, some of whom died in custody. Victor Stater reveals the … Continue reading Fear whipped up by ambitious politicians peddlers of fantastical lies