Elizabeth: Rodolfo Plot

Question 1

What year was the Ridolfi Plot in?

Answer 1

1571

Question 2

Who was Roberto Ridolfi?

Answer 2

Italian banker. Catholic. Worked as a spy for the Pope.

Question 3

What happened?

Answer 3

He plotted to murder Elizabeth, start a Spanish invasion and put Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. She would then marry the Duke of Norfolk (who was Catholic and had pledged to lead a rebellion with Phillip II’s support).

Question 4

How was it discovered?

Answer 4

Sir William Cecil discovered it and snitched on Norfolk :( Ridolfi remained abroad and never returned.

Question 5

What were the consequences?

Answer 5

Norfolk was executed in 1572 for high treason. Mary was not punished.

Question 6

Why was Mary not punished?

Answer 6

If she executed her, it would further anger English Catholics (leading to rebellion) and could unite Spain and France against her)

Question 7

What was the significance of the Ridolfi Plot?

Answer 7

• Reinforced threat from Spain
• Confirmed Mary was a threat
• Government now monitored Catholics more closely and treated them more severely.
• England needed to improve relations with France (couldn’t fight French and Spanish)

Question 8

Why was it a threat to Elizabeth?

Answer 8

• They wanted to kill her
• Mary would make England Catholic
• Spain was involved - powerful country
• Plot would be supported English Catholics and other Catholic countries.