Mary Queen Of Scots Flashcards
When did Mary flee to England and why?
1567 - her third marriage to her previous husband’s suspected murderer set off a brief civil war
When was Elizabeth excommunicated by the Pope and what was the impact?
1570
- In the eyes of the Catholic Church this absolved Elizabeth’s Catholic subjects from the need to obey their sovereign
- This resulted in the tightening of the treason law
When was the Ridolfi Plot?
1571
How did the Ridolfi plot involve Mary? What was the result?
It involved a conspiracy for Mary to marry the Duke of Norfolk and overthrow Elizabeth.
Norfolk was executed for treason
When was the Throckmorton Plot?
1583
How did the Throckmorton plot involve Mary?
A foreign landing in Sussex would be followed by the overthrow of Elizabeth and her replacement by Mary.
What was the result of the Throckmorton plot?
The plot was foiled by Francis Walsingham’s espionage network.
- Led to the creation of the Bond of Association
- Worsened Anglo-Spanish relations
- Tightened conditions of Mary’s captivity
When was the Babington plot?
1586
How did the Babington plot involve Mary?
Mary was complicit in a plot to assassinate Elizabeth
What was the result of the Babington plot?
The plot was exposed by Walsingham’s code breaker, Thomas Phelippes.
This plot enabled Burghley to secure Mary’s execution
How did Elizabeth view Mary’s execution?
She was reluctant to press for the execution of another anointed monarch
What factors caused hesitation in Mary’s trial and execution?
Some feared regicide (the crime of killing an monarch appointed by God)
Others, knowing that James was likely the successor, felt it wasn’t a sensible career move to execute their future king’s mother.
How was Mary eventually executed?
Parliament pressured Elizabeth via a petition to execute her, but Elizabeth refused to sign the death warrant until February 1587.
