Background

He was born at Brent Eleigh, Suffolk and was cousin to Salisbury MP Richard Colman. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge receiving an MA in 1659. Colman converted to Roman Catholicism in the early 1660s.^[1]

In June 1661 he became a gentleman pensioner to Charles II. He was a charismatic advocate of the Catholic cause and is credited with several highly profile conversions, including possibly, the future James II. In 1673 James appointed him secretary to his wife, Mary of Modena.^[1]

Colman acted independently of Charles in trying to obtain French financial assistance to reduce the king's dependence on the anti-Catholic parliament. When money was eventually secured, it was not through any of Colman's efforts.^[1]

Lord High Treasurer Thomas Osborne, earl of Danby viewed Colman as a dangerous influence on James. Danby had him dismissed in 1676 after Colman was caught leaking naval intelligence in a newsletter. Edward continued with unofficial duties for James and he may have disbursed bribes to MPs on behalf of the French ambassador.^[1]

Downfall

Colman's high profile was certainly the reason why he was targeted by Oates when the latter presented his fanatsy plot before the king and the Privy Council on 28 September 1678. According to Oates Colman would become secretary of state on the death of Charles.^[1]

It later emerged that the magistrate, Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey had contacted Colman shortly after the meeting and the following day Colman's house was searched; letters covering his dealings with France were uncovered.^[1]

References