The Plots Flashcards
(23 cards)
What were the 3 plots against Elizabeth I?
Ridolfi plot
Babington plot
Throctmorton plot
When was the Ridolfi plot?
1571
When was the Throcmorton plot?
1583
When was the Babington plot?
1586
Who was Ridolfi?
Roberto Ridolfi was an Italian banker from Florence living in England. He was also one of pope’s spies.
What was the aim of the Ridolfi plot?
To murder Elizabeth, launch Spanish invasion and put Mary, queen of scots, on the throne. Mary was supposed to marry Duke of Norfolk in the plan.
Who was involved in the Ridolfi plot?
The pope, Phillip II, and Duke of Alba who was stationed in Spanish Netherlands
He had a letter signed by Duke of Norfolk declaring he was Catholic and would lead rebellion with Phillip II’m support.
Ridolfi plot
How men did Phillip II tell Alba to prepare if necessary?
10,000
Who encovered the ridolfi plot?
William Cecil, evidence (letters in code) prove Norfolk’s guilt
What happened after the Ridolfi plot was discovered?
Ridolfi was abroad and never returned to England
Parliament demanded execution of Norfolk and Mary. Elizabeth had Norfolk executed but didnt take action against Mary.
What was the significance of the Ridolfi plot?
- reinforced threat posed by Mary and Catholics
-reinforced threat of Spain and concern about Duke of Alba’s presence in Netherlands
-Elizabeth paused on improving relations with France
Who was Throcmortan?
Francis Throcmorton was a young Englishman
What was the aim of the Throcmorton plot?
French Duke of Guise (Mary’s cousin) to invade England, free Mary, overthrow Elizabeth and restore Catholicism.
Who was involved in the Throcmorton plot?
Phillip II will provide financial support. Throcmorton would act as a go-between with Mary. The pope knew of and approved of the plan.
Who uncovered the Throcmorton plot?
Sir Francis Walsingham (Secretary of State after 1573) they found incriminating evidence in Throcmorton’s house.
What happened after the Throcmorton plot was discovered?
Throcmorton was arrested, tortured, confessed, and executed in 1584.
What was the significance of the Throcmorton plot?
Emphasised threat of foreign Catholic powers, English Catholics and Mary
Potential threat if France and Spain were to combine
-Catholics were treated with greater suspicion: many fled England. 11,000 were imprisoned under house arrest
Who was Babington?
Anthony Babington was a Catholic with links to the French
What was the aim of the Babington plot?
Murder of Elizabeth
Encouraged English Catholics to rebel
Duke of Guise would invade with 60,000 men and put Mary on the throne
Who was involved in the Babington plot?
Phillip II and the pope supported this
Who uncovered the Babington plot?
Wrote to Mary, Queen of Scots, 1586 about plot
Intercepted and read by Walsingham
What happened after the Babington plot was discovered?
Once Walsingham had enough details, including names of the six Catholics planning on assassinating Elizabeth I, all involved were arrested. Babington and his accomplices were convicted and hanged, drawn and quartered
What was the significance of the Babington plot?
-1585, relations between England and Spain were bad and England was aiding Dutch Protestants in rebellion against Spain
-mass arrest of reclusants. Over 300 in north London and 31 priests were executed
-mary was tried by privy council and found guilty, she was executed 1587, ending hope of Catholic heir
