Case study 2 - The Gunpowder Plotters, 1605: their crimes and punishment Flashcards
What were recusants?
Peaceful Catholics who refused to go to the Protestant Church of England on Sundays
What was the penalty for being a recusant?
£20 a month
When did James I come to the throne?
1603
Why were Catholics hopeful about James coming to the throne?
His mother (Mary, Queen of Scots) had been a Catholic, as was his wife
What plots were made against James before 1605? Who were they led by?
1603:
The Bye Plot
The Main Plot
They were led by the Catholics
What happened in February 1604? What happened to the recusants?
James announced his ‘utter detestation’ of Catholicism.
Hundreds of recusants were rounded up and fined
Who initially plotted to kill James?
Robert Catesby
What was the plan of the Gunpowder Plot?
To blow up the House of Lords when James came to Parliament on November 5th
What did Thomas Percy do?
Rent the cellar underneath the House of Lords
How many barrels of Gunpowder were used?
36
Who got an anonymous letter? When? What did it say?
Lord Monteagle (one of the King’s advisors)
October 26
It told him not to go to Parliament
When was Fawkes caught?
November 4th
What happened on November 8th?
The other plotters were chased to Staffordshire, where Catesby and Percy were killed
How were the plotters punished? Why was this so harsh?
Hung, drawn and quartered - even Catesby and Percy’s bodies were dug up and mutilated
This was done to make an example of anyone who planned to plot against the king
What was done in 1606?
The Popish Recusants Act was passed, where fines were increased for recusants, and Catholics had to swear an oath of allegiance to the king
