Ridolfi Plot Flashcards
Who was Roberto Ridolfi?
An Italian banker from Florence, possibly a double agent for Elizabeth’s government
Historians debate his role and intentions in the Ridolfi Plot.
What was the aim of the Ridolfi Plot?
To overthrow Elizabeth, replace her with Mary, and restore Catholicism
The plot involved coordinating an invasion with foreign powers.
Who did Ridolfi communicate with regarding the plot?
Duke of Alva, the Pope, and Philip II of Spain
He sought support for the invasion of England.
What was the role of the Duke of Norfolk in the Ridolfi Plot?
He was a prominent supporter mentioned in the invasion plan
A coded document outlining the plot was left with him.
What did Ridolfi propose to the Duke of Alva?
A Spanish army could successfully invade England, provoking a Catholic rebellion
Alva was skeptical and advised waiting until Elizabeth was overthrown.
What happened to the Duke of Norfolk?
He was arrested in September 1569 after his servants betrayed him
This occurred as Elizabeth’s government unraveled the plot.
How did Elizabeth’s government learn about the plot?
Through effective information systems under Francis Walsingham
Walsingham was Elizabeth’s Secretary of State.
What was Ridolfi’s status after the plot was uncovered?
He stayed in Paris and claimed he would retire into privacy
This was a ruse after the plot fell apart.
What was the outcome of the Ridolfi Plot?
The plot was effectively neutralized without reaching the public arena
It highlighted the effectiveness of Elizabeth’s intelligence operations.
True or False: Ridolfi’s plot had significant public support.
False
The plot was never widely supported or publicized.
What was the outcome of the Duke of Norfolk’s trial in January 1572?
He was found guilty unanimously and beheaded on Tower Hill, London, in June.
The trial reflected the government’s stance against plots threatening Elizabeth’s rule.
What happened to Ridolfi after the failure of the plot?
He went to Rome, became a papal senator, and later returned to Florence, living in considerable wealth until his death in 1612.
Ridolfi’s life post-plot highlights the varying fates of individuals involved in political schemes.
What action did Elizabeth take against the Spanish ambassador following the plot?
Elizabeth expelled the Spanish ambassador.
This move indicated a shift in diplomatic relations, although relations with Spain did not decline at that time.
What did the plot allow Protestant MPs in Parliament to do?
It provided them the opportunity to pressure Elizabeth to be harsher to Catholics.
The political climate was tense, influencing legislative actions against Catholic sympathizers.
What Act did Elizabeth agree to pass regarding claims about Mary?
An Act stating that anyone who claimed Mary was not the rightful Queen was a traitor.
This Act reinforced the legitimacy of Elizabeth’s rule while delegitimizing Mary’s claims.
What event increased fears of a Catholic attack in England following the plot?
The St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre of 1572, where thousands of Protestants were murdered in Paris.
This massacre was orchestrated by Mary’s relatives and heightened Protestant anxieties in England.
What was the name of the plot that occurred in 1583?
The unrockmorton Plot.
This plot is less understood, with many details remaining obscure due to destroyed letters.
Fill in the blank: The Duke of Norfolk was arrested in _______.
September.
His arrest followed the betrayal by his servants during interrogation.
True or False: The plot involving the Duke of Norfolk became public knowledge during its execution.
False.
The plot never reached the public arena due to effective government information systems.
Who was Elizabeth’s Secretary of State during the time of the plot?
Francis Walsingham.
Walsingham’s role was crucial in uncovering and managing threats to Elizabeth’s reign.
