The Collection of British Historical Medals formed by the late Ralph Kennedy

Titus Oates and the Popish Plot, 1678, a struck silver medal, unsigned [by G. Bower], janiform heads of a monk and a Jesuit, o why so fickle, rev. birds of a feather flock together, cluster of five faces, 36mm, 28.88g (MI I, 579/252; E 260). Good very fine, bright appearance, rare £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Historical Medals formed by the late Ralph Kennedy.

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The Popish Plot was a fictitious conspiracy invented by the priest Titus Oates (1649-1705) which, between 1678 and 1681, gripped 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 show trials and executions of at least 22 men. The five faces are believed to represent Lord Clifford, Lord Ashley, the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Arlington and the Duke of Lauderdale