The Act also stipulated that anyone found to have brought either the King, the Constitution or the government into contempt could be transported for a period of 7 years.

A later perspective given on the context surrounding its passage: "In the meantime, the supporters of Fox had been active in protesting against the attitude of the government.

To offset this, so it is claimed, an incident was prearranged by the ministry which was calculated to arouse the indignation of loyal subjects of George III.

While the king was on his way to attend the opening of Parliament on October 29, 1795, a riotous crowd assembled and stoned his carriage, breaking some panes of glass.

The evidence is not altogether clear that this assault was not a premeditated affair, arranged with the knowledge of responsible ministers.