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.

Catholic Plots Against Elizabeth: The Northern Earls' Rebellion and Ridolfi Plot

The reign of Elizabeth I was marked by several Catholic plots against Elizabeth, challenging her rule and the Protestant faith in England. This page explores the first two major plots: the Northern Earls' Rebellion and the Ridolfi Plot.

The Northern Earls' Rebellion (1569)

The Northern Earls' Rebellion was the first significant plot against Elizabeth orchestrated by Catholic nobles:

• Led by the Earls of Westmoreland and Northumberland
• Aimed to assassinate Elizabeth and crown Mary Queen of Scots
• Gathered 6,000 soldiers but failed due to lack of Spanish support
• Resulted in severe consequences for Catholics

Highlight: The rebellion led to the Papal Bull, which sanctioned Elizabeth's assassination and excommunicated her from the Catholic Church.

Vocabulary: Excommunication - The act of officially excluding someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church.

The Ridolfi Plot (1571)

The Ridolfi plot was a more sophisticated attempt to overthrow Elizabeth:

• Orchestrated by Ridolfi, an Italian banker working for the Pope
• Supported by Pope Pius V, King Philip II of Spain, and Mary Queen of Scots
• Aimed to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne
• Uncovered by William Cecil, Elizabeth's advisor

Example: The plot's discovery led to increased surveillance of wealthy Catholics and the introduction of fines for missing church services.

Highlight: The Ridolfi Plot resulted in the expulsion of the Spanish ambassador and stricter measures against Catholics in England.