Frncis Walsingham Flashcards
Who was Sir Francis Walsingham?
Elizabeth’s Secretary of State from 1573, known as the ‘spymaster’.
What was Walsingham’s primary role?
To gather skilled men for intercepting coded letters and messages.
How did the plotters communicate?
They developed increasingly sophisticated ways, including smuggling letters in the heels of shoes.
What methods did Elizabeth’s government use to monitor suspects?
They placed informers in suspects’ households.
What was the Bond of Association?
In 1584, a pledge that Mary, Queen of Scots was to be executed if Elizabeth’s life was threatened.
What authority did town councils have regarding foreigners?
They were authorized to search foreigners’ houses and report any foreigners staying with them.
What role did Lord Lieutenants and bishops play?
They officially reported any threats to Walsingham and encouraged reporting of suspicions.
What happened to captured priests and plotters?
They were tortured on the rack to extract information and executed as a warning.
Why did Walsingham’s government target Catholic priests?
They believed Elizabeth’s life was in danger from Catholic fanatics after her excommunication.
What did Walsingham’s spies do effectively?
They seized priests on the streets of London.
What pressure did the House of Commons place on Elizabeth?
They pressured her to execute Mary Queen of Scots and increase penalties against Catholics.
What legislative changes occurred under Walsingham’s influence?
Acts passed in 1571, 1581, and 1585 gradually increased penalties against Catholics.
Fill in the blank: Elizabeth consistently refused to _______.
[execute Mary Queen of Scots]
How did Elizabeth view Walsingham’s methods?
She thought he was too extreme due to his Puritan beliefs.
What was the general view of Parliament regarding Mary Queen of Scots?
They believed Protestantism and the realm would never be safe while she was alive.
What was one way Elizabeth moderated Walsingham’s plans?
She changed the wording of Acts of Parliament to lessen penalties for ordinary Catholics.
