Why was it Illegal to be Catholic? A Glimpse into Welsh History.

The Shadow of Persecution

The rolling hills and winding rivers of Monmouthshire, Wales, hold within them centuries of rich and often turbulent history. Nestled near the confluence of the Rivers Monnow and Wye, the town of Monmouth traces its roots back nearly a thousand years.

From its strategic founding in the Norman era to its recognition as a thriving market town, Monmouth has played a quiet but significant role in the wider historical landscape of Wales and Britain.

However, just as Monmouth was beginning to flourish in the medieval period, Wales, along with the rest of Britain would soon be swept into a storm of religious conflict that would last for centuries.

The Reformation, the rise of Protestantism, and the enactment of the Penal Laws transformed the lives of Catholics in the British Isles. In Wales, where Catholic tradition remained strong, it eventually became illegal to be a Catholic priest. This was a shocking reality with deep social and political consequences.

In this post, we explore both the founding of Monmouth and the darker history of religious persecution that once haunted the land.

The Founding of Monmouth: 11th–12th Centuries

Monmouth’s documented history begins during the Norman invasion of Wales in the 11th century. Following William the Conqueror’s victory at Hastings in 1066, the Normans extended their reach into the borderlands of Wales. They built fortresses to establish control.

A Castle and a Priory

By the late 11th century, the Normans had erected Monmouth Castle, strategically positioned to defend against local Welsh resistance and secure the route into the Welsh interior. Built initially in timber and later reconstructed in stone, the castle symbolised Norman authority and became the focal point around which the town grew.

Shortly after, a Benedictine priory was founded near the castle. Religious institutions such as this played a crucial role in the development of medieval towns. Monks not only performed religious duties but also helped introduce literacy, maintain records, educate the local elite, and even provide rudimentary healthcare. (The legacy & benefits of Catholicism which still stands today.)

With the presence of both military and religious authority, Monmouth was firmly established as a managed and fortified Norman settlement.

Monmouth Becomes a Market Town: The Royal Charter of 1256

Monmouth’s importance grew throughout the 12th and 13th centuries. By 1256, its status was formally recognised when it was granted its first royal charter by King Henry III. This charter granted the town the right to hold regular markets — a critical step in its economic development.

A Hub for Trade and Agriculture

With this new charter, Monmouth became a vital centre for local trade. Situated in a fertile agricultural region, the town served as a trading hub for surrounding rural communities. Weekly markets and annual fairs brought in traders, farmers, craftsmen, and visitors, increasing Monmouth’s wealth and influence.

The market charter also provided Monmouth’s residents with certain legal rights and protections, laying the foundation for the town’s civic development.

The Shadow of the Reformation: Anti-Catholic Laws in Wales

While towns like Monmouth were growing and adapting during the medieval and early modern periods. Wales, like the rest of Britain, was soon drawn into profound religious conflict. The Reformation, which began in the early 16th century, tore apart centuries of Catholic tradition and led to the criminalisation of Catholic priests.

Why Was It Illegal to Be a Catholic Priest in Wales?

The criminalisation of Catholic priests in Wales stemmed from the Penal Laws. A series of harsh legal measures designed to enforce conformity to the Church of England and suppress Catholicism. These laws were introduced following Henry VIII’s break with the Roman Catholic Church in 1534 and intensified under his successors.

The reasons behind the Penal Laws were complex:

1. Religious Loyalty Equals Political Loyalty

By declaring himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England, Henry VIII demanded that his subjects reject the Pope’s authority.

To be Catholic was not merely a religious choice, it was seen as an act of political defiance. Catholic priests, who owed allegiance to Rome, were regarded as potential subversives and enemies of the crown.

2. Fear of Catholic Plots

The English state’s suspicion of Catholics deepened in the face of several perceived or real Catholic conspiracies. In 1570, Pope Pius V excommunicated Elizabeth I, encouraging Catholic powers to remove her.

The infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, (Guy Fawks) in which Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament and assassinate James I, further inflamed anti-Catholic sentiment. (Ripples of which are still felt today)

3. The Glorious Revolution and Protestant Succession

After the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which ousted the Catholic King James II in favour of the Protestant William III and Mary II, the state moved to secure Protestant succession. Catholic clergy were seen as agents of foreign influence and religious instability.

Key Laws That Criminalised Catholic Priests

Over the 16th and 17th centuries, a range of legislation made it illegal — and even treasonous — to be a Catholic priest:

• Jesuits, etc. Act 1584

This law declared it high treason for any Catholic priest ordained overseas to return and perform ministry in England or Wales. Those who sheltered them were guilty of a felony and could face execution.

• Acts of Uniformity (1559 and 1662)

These acts made attendance at Anglican church services mandatory. Any clergy using non-Anglican rites, including Catholic Mass were penalised or banned from preaching.

• Popery Act 1698

This act imposed additional penalties on Catholic clergy and offered financial rewards, often around £100 (equivalent to roughly £13,000 today) to those who informed on them. This incentivised betrayal and fostered a pervasive climate of fear.

• Recusancy Acts

Catholics who refused to attend Anglican services were labeled as recusants. They faced fines, imprisonment, and property seizure. The act of being a Catholic priest, or even hosting one, carried severe consequences. In England and in Wales, that cultural fear albeit subliminary, still exists today causing anti Catholic feeling.

Life Under Persecution

In Wales, where traditional Catholic practices persisted longer than in many English regions, enforcement of these laws was especially painful. Priests had to operate in secrecy, moving between safe houses and saying Mass in hidden rooms or secluded outdoor spaces.

Periods of intensified persecution — such as the Popish Plot hysteria of the 1670s — saw many priests arrested, imprisoned, or even executed. Families who remained faithful to Catholicism often faced social exclusion, financial ruin, and constant suspicion.

Gradual Relief and Catholic Emancipation

Though harshly enforced for centuries, the Penal Laws began to loosen in the late 18th century (not that long ago- scary right?) Enlightenment ideals and shifting political priorities led to increasing calls for tolerance.

The breakthrough came with the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829, which finally restored civil rights to Catholics across Britain. Priests could once again legally celebrate Mass, and Catholics could enter professions, own land, and serve in Parliament.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a Norman settlement with a castle and priory, to its evolution into a bustling market town, Monmouth is a testament to the enduring spirit of Welsh history. Yet, alongside the progress and growth, Wales also bore witness to some of the harshest religious persecution in British history.

Understanding the dual narrative — the flourishing of towns like Monmouth and the persecution of those who held onto the “old faith” — offers a deeper appreciation for the resilience of communities and individuals who shaped the past. Today, Monmouth stands as a peaceful town, but its story is deeply rooted in centuries of faith, conflict, and perseverance.