MQS Flashcards
what issues were MQS linked to
Relations between Elizabeth and MQS were inextricably linked with the issues of religion and succession.
date of MQS arrival
1568
date of MQS execution
1587
how did she pose a continuous problem for England
From when she arrived in England in 1568 until her execution in 1587, she posed a continuous problem to Elizabeth since some English Catholics saw her as the rightful monarch and she became the plot to overthrow Elizabeth.
why did the MQS problem grow worse
This problem grew worse following the pope’s ex-communication, which removed Catholic subjects from the need to obey their sovereign.
Mary as a prisoner
Mary fled to England in 1568 as she had been forced to abdicate in Scotland. Elizabeth kept her under house arrest for 19 years. Cecil wanted her executed but Elizabeth didn’t know what to do with her. She felt a queen could not execute another queen.
what was mary the focal point for
Mary was the focal point for catholic plots and noble discontent, a potential pawn of foreign powers to depose the queen and plots, succession issues
mary’s execution - involvement in babington
Babington had written to Mary to outline the details of the plot, Mary replied in her hand agreeing. The conspirators were arrested and executed in 1586.
why was elizabeth reluctant to execute MQS
Elizabeth was reluctant to press for the execution of another monarch. It was decided that Mary face trial. Elizabeth was reluctant to have her executed even though she was guilty. The execution would give Spain more reason to be an enemy.
MQS death warrant
Elizabeth signed the warrant in 1587 but wouldn’t let it be put into action, however, Elizabeth’s second secretary of state, William Davison released the warrant and she was executed at Fatheringay Castle within 48 hours of it being signed. Elizabeth was furious and the privy council was blamed for letting it happen, Davison was fined heavily and put in the tower. Liz apologised to James IV
how much of a threat was MQS
On one hand, she was the focus of a potential rebellion against Elizabeth. She was seen as a QUeen in waiting. Her Catholicism meant that she always had the support of Phillip II and the pope. Therefore Mary being alive and imprisoned was always a major threat to Elizabeth. On the other hand, it can be argued that though England was actively at war with Spain, the invasion was already planned. Mary’s execution simply gave Phillip ii another motive, she didn’t make the threat from abroad any more than it had already been. Her death did not end succession issues or religious issues.
catholic plots with dates
Northern Earls 1569
Ridolfi 1571
Throckmorton 1583
Babington 1586
date of the northern earls
1569
date of ridolfi plot
1571
ridolfi plot
Plot to replace Elizabeth with Mary and marry her to the Duke of Norfolk. This plot involved Mary, Phillip II and the pope as well as the Duke of Norfolk. The plot was uncovered by Cecil through his network of spies. Elizabeth hesitated over signing the execution but had her hand forced by Parliament when it met in 1572, but she agreed to Norfolk’s execution. An act by parliament was passed by parliament to state that it was high treason to deny Elizabeth the right to be Queen. It was agreed to keep Mary in Prison
