Dr Sacheverell

This early 18th century English pack of playing cards illustrates events in the life of Dr Henry Sacheverell around the time of his impeachment in 1710, a significant political and religious occurrence at that time. Each card illustrates an event, with a descriptive couplet beneath and a miniature playing card at the top right. The narrative, running like a comic strip, reflects the political and religious drama which sparked riots and public demonstrations.

Dr. Sacheverell (1674—1724) was an Anglican clergyman who gained notoriety for his pamphlets and incendiary sermons against the Whig government and the Church of England’s policies. His most famous sermon, delivered on November 5, 1709, criticized the Whigs and called for the restoration of traditional Anglican values. Sacheverell became a popular figure among the Tories and High Church Anglicans but was tried for sedition by the House of Lords. Although found guilty in his trial, his light punishment was seen as a vindication: he was suspended from preaching for three years. If there is a moral to this story, it could be seen as a cautionary tale about the power of words and the potential consequences of divisive public speech (hate speech, disinformation), and how these can shape political outcomes and public opinion.

Diamonds

1. Queen's Address: the new Senate assures Queen Anne they will be more obedient than the previous one.
2. Humility: despite praise, Sacheverell remains humble.
3. Trial Arrival: Sacheverell calmly arrives at his trial, which frightens onlookers.
4. Guest Reception: Sacheverell is justly entertained as a guest who has released two kingdoms from their bonds.
5. Choice for Country: she speaker implores listeners to choose good for the country's sake.
6. Welsh Parishioners: Welsh parishioners joyfully greet their minister, Sacheverell, as he arrives.
7. Dedication Approval: the dedication is well-received, encouraging Mr. Cl-ts to continue his work.
8. Oxford Entry: Sacheverell's entry into Oxford is celebrated by both the countryside and the town.
9. College Reception: the college warmly receives Sacheverell, grieved by his previous accusations.
10. Bishop's Instruction: St. Asaph's Bishop grants Sacheverell institution and induction for his flock's instruction.
Jack. Fond Electors: electors now adore candidates they had previously rejected.
Queen. Church's Protection: although envy threatens the Church, truth prevents its ruin.
King. Loyal Citizens: London citizens choose loyal members who deserve their support.

Hearts

1. Restoration and Foes: the restoration of the Church begins, uncovering its secret enemies.
2. Publication Request: the Sheriff of Derby requests Sacheverell to publish his impactful assize discourse.
3. Consultation: Sacheverell and his friends consult on how to respond to the Commons' accusations.
4. Introduction to Church: the Sheriff introduces Sacheverell into the Church, where he laments the abuses by its enemies.
5. Banbury Greeting: the corporation of Banbury courteously greets Sacheverell, who returns the salutation.
6. Office Transfer: the Duchess of Somerset receives an office on her knees, taking over from another Duchess.
7. Majesty's Bestowal: the Queen bestows a purse to one who fulfilled his duty.
8. Chair Appointment: the Queen instructs Rochester to ascend the chair, but Buckingham is fated to take that seat.
9. Heartfelt Speech: Sacheverell's moving and just speech touches both the eyes and hearts of good men.
10. Queen's Choice: Queen Anne eases her troubles by selecting attendants as she pleases.
Jack. Church Impeachment: the son of an Archbishop impeaches the Church, speeches that his father, if alive, would abhor.
Queen. Gracious Voice: the Queen’s gracious and serene voice enchants her subjects.
King. Church's Triumph: the Church, solid as a rock, views Sacheverell as a steadfast defender of Church freedom.

Spades

1. Surrender and Replacement: Dr. Sacheverell surrenders his positions, symbolized by the purse and mace.
2. Revelation and Truth: an angel opens a curtain to reveal the truth to Queen Anne, suggesting divine intervention.
3. Granting Freedom: Queen Anne entrusts a key to a worthy individual, symbolizing the liberation of someone close to her.
4. Opposition to Doctrines: stern managers rail against Sacheverell's doctrines, challenging his influence and the rights of Queen Anne.
5. Comparison of Figures: the caption compares the Baron and the Recorder, noting that certain actions, like killing horses, will never be excusable.
6. Voice of Innocence: despite legal constraints, the strong voice of innocence will still be heard, indicating Sacheverell's good reputation.
7. Publication of Trial: The trial is taken to the press, suggesting that public opinion and media coverage play a role in the proceedings.
8. Trial at the House of Peers: Sacheverell attends the House of Peers to answer the charges brought against him.
9. Monarch's Pardon: although offenders are sentenced, monarchs have the power to pardon those condemned by juries, indicating the influence of the crown.
10. Militia-Captain: an army captain, who may be hiding his cowardice, strides with a champion's demeanor.
Jack: Support for Preacher: emphasizes the need for those who command a sermon to support the preacher in times of distress.
Queen: Faithful Service: shows the queen's frustration directed at a faithful servant, reflecting the political tensions of the time.
King: Accountability: looking into records will reveal what is deserved by those who leave accounts unbalanced, hinting at accountability.

Clubs

1. Fickle Brother: the tubster is shown as a fickle brother, holding a mitre in one hand and a league in the other.
2. Mercy for the Seized: the Waterman and Bailiff implore mercy as they are seized.
3. Workmen's Toil: displaying the workmen's toil that raised the scaffold for the trial.
4. Destruction and Confusion: thunder strikes as barns providing sustenance are down, while a dark cabal seeks confusion.
5. Absolution: the shorn monk pronounces absolution amidst the turmoil.
6. Materials for Scaffold: despite bringing materials for a scaffold, the impeached person may be innocent.
7. Injuries and Wrongs: a speech calling for redress of injuries and wrongs surpasses the hawkers' tongues.
8. Imprisonment: although Sacheverell's body is imprisoned, his soul is free.
9. Destruction by Fire: the clock and pulpit in flames symbolize the turmoil incited by nonconformists.
10. Preservation from Harm: Sacheverell is preserved from being roasted, and his health is toasted amidst the flames.
Jack. Divine Intervention: despite efforts to undermine him, angels interfere and overrule.
Queen. Loyal Guards: loyal guards justly counter rebels assaulting the crown.
King. Ruins of Sedition: laying sedition's shop in ruins aims to make faction quit its trade.

The 17th and 18th centuries were the heyday of English pictorial card production, covering politics, proverbs, music, heraldry, geography, education and various other subjects. In this example, the engravings and narrative capture key moments of Henry Sacheverell's interactions with the Church within the broader social, religious and political context of the time.

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References

Archive.org: The tryal of Dr. Henry Sacheverell, before the House of Peers...►

Some of Sacheverell's (extremely tedious) sermons can be found here►

British Museum: Dr Sacheverell clubs & spades • hearts & diamonds►

UK Parliament: Trial of Dr. Henry Sacheverell►

Wikipedia: Henry Sacheverell►

Willshire, W. H.: A Descriptive Catalogue of Playing and Other Cards in the British Museum, Trustees of the British Museum, 1876, reprint 1975 (English 194; p.279).

Note from Peter Burnett

You might care to add a further reference to the Bodleian holdings. We have two copies of this pack accessible via Digital Bodleian: Douce playing cards►

We've dated the pack as 1711 because some of the cards deal with court intrigues and political events covering the period 1709-1711. See also: Whiting, J.R.S.: A handful of history, Alan Sutton, 1978 pp.150-163