Could a peer of England also have been a member of the clergy in the late 1700's? I think we'd have to be talking about Church of England here as this particular character was in well with Prinny before he bacame George IV.
Could a peer of England also have been a member of the clergy in the late 1700's? I think we'd have to be talking about Church of England here as this particular character was in well with Prinny before he bacame George IV.
just in case you don't know C of E was the only accepted religion in the 1700s. Catholics, Quakers etc were not legit and were banned from taking part in politics, local govt, legal, medical profs. Hence Quakers became noted for their business skills. Catholics kept quiet as they could still be had for treason.
It's not my era but I do believe that Catholics weren't 'legalised' until the 1860s or thereabouts.
edited to add:
The usual system was: Ist son was the heir of the family property, 2nd son went into the army or navy, 3rd son was the parson and received the livings which were on the family property!
I need to add: I've nixed the clergy idea. It's ridiculous, anyway, and wouldn't serve the plot. This character needs something BIG to lose, as in everything. I need to find out what could constitute attainder. This character is an heirless, fatherless earl who does actively retain his seat in the House of Lords. It seems that High Treason is the only way for this to happen and be permanent. If you committed a lesser felony, the attainder could be temporary. ( 1year)
I need to add: I've nixed the clergy idea. It's ridiculous, anyway, and wouldn't serve the plot. This character needs something BIG to lose, as in everything. I need to find out what could constitute attainder. This character is an heirless, fatherless earl who does actively retain his seat in the House of Lords. It seems that High Treason is the only way for this to happen and be permanent. If you committed a lesser felony, the attainder could be temporary. ( 1year)
If you want the character to live, High Treason might not be a good idea, I believe it was punishable by death.