E1 - The Throckmorton Plot (1583)

Question 1

What was the Throckmorton Plot?

Answer 1

• Mary’s cousin the French Duke of Guise would invade and overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mark
• Phillip II of Spain would provide the finances and the Pope supported the plot
• The Plot was named after the person delivering the messages between Mark and Duke of Guise. His name was Francis Throckmorton.
• Elizabeth’s Secretary of State and Spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham discovered the Plot and Throckmorton was arrested and executed

Question 2

What was the significance of the Throckmorton Plot?

Answer 2

• It was clear that Mary Queen of Scots, the Pope and King Phillip II of Spain were a continual threat to Elizabeth
• A list of Catholic sympathisers was found at Throckmorton’s house helping Elizabeth to believe there was a big Catholic threat in England
• Life got tougher for Catholics. Elizabeth passed a law punishing people to death for hiding Catholic priests