CATHOLIC CONTROVERSY. The Catholick Ballad: or an Invitation to Popery, upon considerable Grounds and Reasons. To the Tune of 88 (RESTORATION PROPAGANDA)

London: Printed for Henry Brome, at the Gun at the West-end of St. Paul’s Church-yard, 1674. Broadside. Printed in double column with music notation at head. Woodcut musical score printed with the words “Since Popery of late is so much in debate.” 386 x 290mm. A central fold mark, with tear, repaired with archival tape. No loss to letters. In very good condition.

Wing P2906. ESTC R214091. JISC with 6 locations copies only.
This rare anti-Catholic broadside reflects the virulently hostile atmosphere of the 1670s, when Titus Oates’ fabricated “Popish Plot” (1678) inflamed public paranoia about Catholic influence at the English court. Attributed to Walter Pope, the work is structured as a satirical song, with notation provided for immediate performance, ensuring its circulation among the wider populace rather than just the literate elite. The mock “invitation to Popery” is laced with irony: Catholicism is portrayed as offering indulgences, political advancement, and material gain, but also as inherently corrupt, deceitful, and destructive. Lines such as “If the Devil himself should (God bless us) get up / Though his nature was known to be evil” epitomise the vituperative tone of Restoration polemic. The ballad also attacks supposed Jesuit plotting, “Popish” influence at court, and the fear of French-style absolutism, themes that were central to English Protestant identity at the time. A vivid example of Restoration propaganda, marrying music, print, and politics to inflame anti-Catholic sentiment.
Henry Brome, the publisher, was one of the leading stationers of Restoration London, noted for issuing controversial pamphlets, newsbooks, and popular street literature. The use of music here was a deliberate tactic: broadside ballads were an effective tool of propaganda, easy to memorise and repeat, embedding political and religious messages into everyday life.
Rare satirical ballad issued in the wake of the Popish Plot agitation, mocking the supposed attractions of Roman Catholicism by setting it to popular music. Survival of such ephemera is rare and its presence in commerce is extremely rare.

[Cat 162]