Catholic Threat

Question 1

Challenge from Mary Queen of Scots

Answer 1

Abdicated from Scottish throne and imprisoned, escaped and went to England.
An anointed Queen with claims to the English throne.
She could build support and challenge Elizabeth.

Question 2

Northern Earls Rebellion 1569-70

Answer 2

Elizabeth was concerned with Mary as Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland led an uprising. Mass restored in Durham, Mary put forward to be Queen. Rebellion defeated, Mary moved south, but has a threat.

Question 3

Papal Excommunication

Answer 3

1570 Pius V, issued Papal Bull, excommunicated and deposed Elizabeth, Catholics now absolved from recognising Elizabeth as Queen

Question 4

Ridolfi Plot

Answer 4

1571 Ridolfi plotted with Spanish ambassador to marry Mary to Duke of Norfolk put her on the throne

Question 5

Throckmorton Plot

Answer 5

1583 Throckmorton plotted with Spanish ambassador to kill Elizabeth

Question 6

Babington Plot

Answer 6

1586 Babington plotted to kill Elizabeth and make England Catholic through the Spanish Troops

Question 7

St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre and William Orange Assassination

Answer 7

This led to Protestants to believing they were under threat so:
- 1584, Bond of Association was set up, meaning anyone linked to assassination attempts would be executed
- 1586 Treaty of Berwick signed with Scotland giving James VI a pension
-1586 Privy Council put pressure on Elizabeth to execute Mary, happened in 1587.
Catholicism a threat due to International relations.

Question 8

Seminary Priests and Jesuits

Answer 8

Seminary at Douai to train Priests, gave sacraments and administer rites, keeping faith alive. Priests arrived 1574, success limited as Cuthbert Mayne executed 1577 for treason, Jesuits emerged 1580s, government 1581 increased recusancy fines to £20 per month, and in 1585 it was treasonable to be ordained Catholic Priest in England

Question 9

Problems facing Catholicism

Answer 9

• Elizabeth’s longevity meant Catholicism was dying
• Lacked affective foreign support
• Government legislation, fines/ treason Acts limited the appeal
• Catholics went abroad
• Shortage of Catholics priests, not replaced the old ones
• Spanish Armada
• Social pressures to conform
• Mary Queen of Scots execution lost figurehead