Plots Against Elizabeth And The Reasons For Mary Queen Of Scots Execution Flashcards
RIDOLFI PLOT
1571
Roberto Ridolfi was the plotter.
The aim was to get Mary on the throne.
The plan was to murder Elizabeth, launch a Spanish invasion and crown Mary.
It failed, plotters we’re guilty of high treason and Spain’s threats to Elizabeth made her friends with France.
Events of the Ridolfi Plot
Duke of Norfolk agreed to lead the rebellion if Phillip ii would support it.
William Cecil uncovered the plot by the autumn and had evidence to prove Norfolks plot.
Parliament demanded execution of Mary and Norfolk so Norfolk was executed but Elizabeth wouldn’t take action against Mary.
Throckmorton Plot
1583
French duke of guise was the plotter, Mary’s cousin.
The plan was to invade England, free Mary, get rid of Elizabeth and retire Catholicism in England so this was also a threat to Elizabeth’s religious Settlement!
The plot was not successful as the plotter Throckmorton was arrested in November 1585 and he confessed and was executed as they found his incriminating papers.
Events of the Throckmorton plot
The significance of the plot was to help catholics and crown Mary queen as catholics weee treated with suspicion and some were kept under house arrest whilst Elizabeth was queen, os they wanted to get Mary on the throne to change all of this.
The plot wasn’t successful as it was uncovered by Sir Francis Washington Elizabeth’s Secretary of State.
The Babington Plot
1586
The plotter was Anthony Babington.
The plan was to murder Elizabeth and for catholics to rebel.
The duke of guise planned to invade with 60,000 men.
The aim was to get Mary on the throne.
Phillip ii of Spain and the pope both supported this plot.
The plot was not successful as the plotter was hung drawn and quartered.
Babington and a reason for Mary’s execution?
Mary was aware of his plans to kill Elizabeth and to make her queen.
Mary replied to Babington in letters saying she wanted France and Spain’s help to become queen through invading England.
Her letters were found out by Elizabeth’s spy Sir Francis Walsingham.
Elizabeth was reluctant to sign Mary’s death warrant however Mary’s involvement in the Babington plot led Elizabeth yo believe whilst Mary 2s alive she was a threat to her and she wasn’t safe.
The revolt of the northern Earls
Began in 1569
To rebel against Elizabeth the northern Earls broke into cathedrals and burnt Protestant bibles.
The main goal was to rescue Mary from captivity.
The northern Earls were catholic.
Mary’s death
Elizabeth signed Mary’s death warrant in February 1587.
Why was Mary executed?
She was a threat to Elizabeth, main reason was the Babington plot!!
She had a claim to the English throne.
Involved with plots against Elizabeth.
Mary had support from Europe mainly France.
She lied about knowing about the plots.
Mary wanted to be queen of England.
Whilst Mary was alive plots against Elizabeth would continue.
The catholics saw Mary as the RIGHTFUL QUEEN.
