‘The Subduing of a Pestilent Heresy’:¹ Edward Coleman’s Letters

This chapter discusses Edward Coleman, who was the first man to be tried and executed based on the testimony of Oates, as well as a set of events and debates that were related to him. It considers his controversial correspondence with the members of the French Court during the early to mid-1670s, as well as the parliamentary debate over whether his letters should be printed or not. Coleman's trial, execution, and the discourse surrounding his death are also examined.

This chapter discusses Edward Coleman, who was the first man to be tried and executed based on the testimony of Oates, as well as a set of events and debates that were related to him. It considers his controversial correspondence with the members of the French Court during the early to mid-1670s, as well as the parliamentary debate over whether his letters should be printed or not. Coleman's trial, execution, and the discourse surrounding his death are also examined.