E1 - The Ridolfi Plot (1571)

Question 1

What was the Ridolfi Plot?

Answer 1

• Roberto Ridolfi was a spy for the Pope
• He plotted to murder Elizabeth and replace her with MQS
• The plot was to have Mary to marry Thomas Howard the Duke of Norfolk
• Ridolfi left England to discuss the plot with the Pope and King Phillip II of Spain. Phillip was prepares to send 10,000 men to overthrow Elizabeth
• The plot was discovered whilst Ridolfi was away and so he never came back
• Thomas Howard was executed as there were letters proving his guilt
• Elizabeth still would not have MQS executed

Question 2

Significance of the Ridolfi Plot

Answer 2

• It was now clear that Spain was a threat to England and so Elizabeth was determined to have better relations with France
• MQS would remain a symbol of hope for plotters
• Catholic priests were now sent to England to keep Catholicism alive
• Some Catholics hid the priests in hiding places known as priest holes
• Caught priests would be executed by being hung, drawn and quartered
• Parliament passed two laws to deal with the Catholic situation
• Recusants would be fines £20. Enough to bankrupt them in those times
• Trying to turn someone Catholic was treason and punishable by death