Test Act of 1673

Timeline

1. 1673Palace of Westminster · LondonIn early 1673, the Third Anglo-Dutch War and domestic fears of expanding French Catholic influence led the Protestant parliamentary majority to demand legislative restrictions on Catholics entering public office and the military. The Duke of York's open conversion became the immediate trigger.
2. 1673Westminster · LondonBoth houses of Parliament passed the Test Act, stipulating that swearing denial of transubstantiation and receiving communion according to the national church were prerequisites for holding public office. Under pressure Charles II granted royal assent, and the act formally took effect.