The Triumph of Elizabeth, 1563–1603: Foreign Affairs - Mary, Queen of Scots; the Babington Plot

Question 1

When was the Babington Plot?

Answer 1

• 1586

Question 2

Who led the Babington Plot?

Answer 2

• Babington
- Catholic
- Had close contacts with English priests in France and Mendoza, who was in Paris

Question 3

What did the Babington Plot plan involve?

Answer 3

• Launch Spanish invasion of England
• While promoting a Catholic uprising
• Assassinate Elizabeth and replace with Mary

Question 4

How was the Babington Plot and Mary’s involvement uncovered?

Answer 4

• Babington wrote to Mary asking for her approval
• Letter intercepted by Walsingham
• Babington’s role uncovered and forced to act as double agent so Walsingham can entrap Mary
• Mary consents to Elizabeth’s assassination
• Exposed by Walsingham’s codebreaker, Thomas Phelippes

Question 5

When were the conspirators involved in the Babington Plot executed?

Answer 5

• September 1586

Question 6

Outline main events of the Crown’s response to Mary’s involvement in the Babington Plot

Answer 6

• September 1586
- Other conspirators executed

• October 1586
- Mary found guilty
- Mary not executed due to war with Spain and Elizabeth’s reluctance

• February 1587
- Elizabeth signs death warrant, but doesn’t allow it to be put into action
- Second Secretary of State, William Davidson, released the warrant

• 8 February 1587
- Mary executed

Question 7

When was Mary found guilty for her involvement in the Babington Plot?

Answer 7

• October 1586

Question 8

When did Elizabeth sign the death warrant for Mary’s involvement in the Babington Plot?

Answer 8

• February 1587

Question 9

When was Mary, Queen of Scots executed?

Answer 9

• 8 February 1587