Babbington Plot Flashcards
Who was Anthony Babington?
A 25-year-old Catholic who was a page to the Earl of Shrewsbury and involved in plotting against Elizabeth
Babington had previously carried letters for Mary, Queen of Scots, and was encouraged by friends to engage in serious plotting in 1586.
What was the primary goal of Babington’s plot?
To kill Elizabeth I and free England from Protestantism
The plot involved the assistance of a foreign army, likely from Spain.
What were the six steps outlined by Babington to free the country?
- Plan a successful invasion by a foreign army
- Free Mary
- Dispatch the usurper
The first four steps focused on invasion planning, the fifth on freeing Mary, and the sixth on killing Elizabeth.
How did Elizabeth’s government gather evidence against Mary?
By placing spies within Mary’s household to intercept letters
The spies persuaded Mary to believe it was safe to send and receive letters hidden in beer barrels.
What happened to the letters sent by Mary?
They were intercepted and sent to Walsingham
This interception led to crucial evidence against Mary.
What did Mary indicate in her reply to Babington on July 17, 1586?
That four stout men were needed with good and speedy horses for the assassination of Elizabeth
This response ultimately sealed her fate, indicating her involvement in the plot.
Was there local support for Babington’s plot?
Unknown
The text does not provide specific information about local support for the plot.
Was there foreign support for Babington’s plot?
Implied support from Spain, as they were likely involved in the planned invasion
The plotters were planning for an invasion by a foreign army, probably Spain.
What prior plot had influenced Elizabeth’s government’s actions?
The Throckmorton Plot
After this plot, the government was more determined to find hard evidence against Mary.
What was the fate of Babington and two other conspirators?
They were arrested as they attempted to flee.
This occurred during the aftermath of the Babington Plot.
What was the consequence for the remaining conspirators of the Babington Plot?
They were rounded up, tried, and condemned to death for treason.
The executions took place in September 1586.
Where was Mary, Queen of Scots moved for her trial?
Fotheringhay Castle, 120 kilometres from London.
This relocation occurred in September 1586.
How long did the hearing of evidence and legal arguments last for Mary, Queen of Scots?
Weeks.
Despite the lengthy process, the outcome was predetermined.
What was the conclusion of the commissioners regarding Mary, Queen of Scots?
They found her guilty of plotting to take Elizabeth’s life and recommended her execution.
This verdict was reached at the end of October 1586.
Fill in the blank: The conspirators were executed in _______.
September 1586.
True or False: The outcome of Mary, Queen of Scots’ trial was uncertain.
False.
There was never any doubt about the conclusion.
