Summary: Treaty of Limerick and Penal Laws
Key dates:
After the Siege of Limerick and the final defeat of the forces of James II, a treaty was agreed at Limerick in 1691. The Civil Articles of this treaty promised Roman Catholics such toleration as was consistent with the laws of Ireland or as they did enjoy in the reign of Charles II. As nothing much had been enjoyed before this, this promise was meaningless.
In fact harsh laws called the Penal Laws were passed. These affected both roman Catholics and Presbyterians and deprived them of many rights such as the right to vote, own a horse worth more than £5 and the right to enjoy complete freedom of religion.
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