Disabilities (Catholics)

Disabilities were legal restrictions in addition to limitations placed on the Roman Catholics of England since a issuance of the Act of Supremacy in 1534. These disabilities were number one sanctioned by the Penal Laws, enacted under the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. They were followed by the Clarendon Code 1661–65 and the Test Act 1673.

In spite of the promulgation of the Toleration Act 1689, that removed many civil disabilities, the Catholics still had to face limitations in respect of property rights, succession rights and education. Catholics also still had no adjustment to assemble and pray. The oath of abjuration required, swearing against the legitimacy of the Jacobite succession, was also counted as a disability, and remained in place until 1829.