2.1 Plots and revolts at home

Question 1

What were the revolts and plots that occurred whilst Mary was in England, 1569-87? (4)

Answer 1

1. The Revolt of the Northern Earls
2. The Ridolfi plot
3. The Throckmorton plot
4. The Babington plot

Question 2

What was reason for the Revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-1570?

Answer 2

Political: lost influence over north and the court in Elizabeth’s reign.
Religion: resistance to religious settlement and disagreement of Bishop of Durham promotion.
Opportunity: fear of civil war and loss of power and wealth under protestant monarch due to Elizabeth’s celibacy.

Question 3

What was the significance of the Revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-70? (4)

Answer 3

• Showed Mary, QoS could not be trusted → remained in prison.
• Pope excommunicated, and invited Catholics to depose, her → prompt further Catholic plots against her.
• Catholics couldn’t be trusted → government forced to take harsh steps against Catholics.
• Executions → Elizabeth’s control over north strengthened.

Question 4

What was the aim of the Ridolfi plot, 1571? (1)

Answer 4

Assassinate Elizabeth and marry Mary to Duke of Norfolk - supported by Pope and Phillip II who agreed to send troops for invasion.

Question 5

What were the consequence of the Ridolfi plot, 1571? (1)

Answer 5

• Letters intercepted - showed inclusion of Mary and Duke of Norfolk → tighter provision for Mary, Duke was executed.

Question 6

What was the aim of the Throckmorton plot, 1583? (1)

Answer 6

Assassinate Elizabeth and replace with Mary - supported by Phillip II and Pope who agreed to finance French troop invasion.

Question 7

What were the consequences of the Throckmorton plot, 1583? (1)

Answer 7

Throckmorton put under surveillance by Walsingham for several months → Privy Council developed Bond of Association - execute anyone who attempted to overthrow the Queen.

Question 8

What was the aim of the Babington plot, 1586? (1)

Answer 8

Assassinate Elizabeth and replace with Mary - supported by Franco-Spanish invasion force.

Question 9

What was the consequence of the Babington Plot, 1568? (1)

Answer 9

Walsingham followed every step of plot and sent double agent to intercept and decode letters → Mary put on trial and executed.