1 June 1683
Rye House Plot

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An informer reveals the Rye House Plot. This is a quasi-republican plot to kill Charles II and his Catholic brother James, Duke of York, as they return from the Newmarket races, passing Rye House in Hertfordshire. As a result of the plot's failure, Charles is even more determined to uphold his brother's right to succeed to the throne, despite the latter's religion. Another result is suspicion of the loyalty of many anti-James Whig politicians.

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In 1683 John Evelyn sighed that: 'After the Popish-plot etc there was now a new (and as they called it) Protestant-plot discovered, that certain Lords and others should design the assassination of his Majesty and Duke, with a general rising of several of the Nation, and especially the City of London ...' This fabricated 'Rye House Plot' ... brought leading Whigs to execution or exile, and resulted in renewed persecution of dissenters.

From A Century of Troubles by Stevie Davies (Channel 4 Books)

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