Catholic Plots Against Elizabeth: The Throckmorton and Babington Plots
This page details the later Catholic plots against Elizabeth, which became increasingly dangerous and led to severe consequences for English Catholics and Mary Queen of Scots.
The Throckmorton Plot (1583)
The Throckmorton plot was a complex conspiracy involving foreign powers:
- Orchestrated by the French Duke of Guise, Mary Queen of Scots' cousin
- Funded by King Philip of Spain and the Pope
- Aimed to replace Elizabeth with Mary Queen of Scots
- Led to Throckmorton's execution and Mary's increased isolation
Highlight: The plot resulted in the arrest of 11,000 Catholics and the execution of those found hiding Catholic priests.
Definition: Bond of Association - A legal measure introduced after the Throckmorton Plot, making beneficiaries of a successful plot against Elizabeth liable to the death penalty.
The Babington Plot (1586)
The Babington Plot was the final and most significant conspiracy against Elizabeth:
- Led by Anthony Babington to rescue Mary and assassinate Elizabeth
- Used encrypted messages known as the "barrel post" for communication
- Intercepted by Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's spymaster
- Resulted in Mary Queen of Scots' execution
Vocabulary: Barrel post - A secret communication method using coded messages hidden in barrels.
Highlight: Mary's execution outraged Catholic Europe and is believed to have contributed to the Spanish Armada's invasion of England.
Example: The Act for the Preservation of the Queen's Safety was introduced, allowing a tribunal of 24 privy councillors or peers to investigate any attempt to harm the Queen.
