Topic 5 - The Catholic Threat Flashcards
Why was Mary Queen of Scots arriving in England a problem?
because Catholics believed she was the legitimate heir to the English throne - they didn’t recognise any of Henry VIIIs marriages + children after Catherine of Aragon.
When did the Rebellion of the Northern earls take place?
In 1559
Describe the events of the Rebellion of the Northern Earls
- The rebellion was led by two powerful Catholic lords.
- They Planned to dethrone Elizabeth, marry Mary to The Earl of Northumberland’s brother in law and put her on English throne.
- Rebellion failed; 800 Catholic rebels executed and had land confiscated.
Why did the rebellion of the Northern Earls fail?
- Poor planning and leadership - Elizabeth sent troops to stop the march from Durham and the 2 leaders fled across the border to Scotland.
- Lack of foreign support - Philip II was reluctant to support Mary in the fear she would side with France if she was queen.
- Popularity of Elizabeth - The English people were reluctant to see the pope restored.
When did the Excommunication of Elizabeth happen?
1570
Describe the events of the Excommunication of Elizabeth.
- The pope’s reaction to Elizabeth’s religious settlement was muted at first. As time went on he became more and more frustrated as changes weren’t being made.
- He called all catholics to remove her from the throne and released all of the, from an oath of allegiance to Elizabeth.
- This gave the catholics permission to plot against Elizabeth.
What was Elizabeth’s response to her excommunication?
- Elizabeth passed the Treason Act of 1571.
This made the following reasonable offences: - Declaring Elizabeth as an unlawful queen.
- Introducing of publishing papal bull.
- Catholics who fled abroad could have their property confiscated.
When did the Ridolfi plot take place?
1571
Describe the events of the Ridolfi plot
- The Spanish Army was planning to land and help the English catholics to overthrow Elizabeth and make Mary Queen.
- Mary would marry the Duke of Norfolk and make England Catholic.
- The plot was organised by Roberto Ridolfi and the Spanish ambassador de spes.
Why did the Ridolfi plot fail?
What were the consequences?
- William Cecil and Francis Walsingham foiled the plan.
- The duke of Norfolk was imprisoned. Ridolfi and De Spes were expelled from the country.
When did the throckmorten plot take place?
1583-84
Describe the events of the throckmorten plot.
- Francis throckmorten was an English Jesuit / catholic and organised the plot.
- The plot involved the French catholic army, Spanish and Papal money and the french and Spanish ambassadors.
- They planned to free Mary and put her on the throne and turn England catholic.
Why did the throckmorten plot fail?
What were the consequences?
- Walsingham and Cecil foiled the plot.
- French ambassador was executed for treason + Spanish ambassador expelled from country,
When did the Babington plot take place?
1586
Describe the events of the Babington plot
- The Babington plot was organised by Anthony Babington - a catholic nobleman.
- Letters written in cither code were sent between Babington and Mary Queen of Scots.
- They planned to overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mary.
Why did the Babington plot fail?
- The letters were intercepted by Walsingham and Cecil.
- They were proof of Mary’s involvement in treason and what ultimatum led to her execution.
- Babington was arrested in 1586 and executed with 6 other plotters.
When was Mary Queen of Scots executed and why?
- She was executed in 1587.
- She was executed because she was the centre of all of the catholic plots.
- She was dangerous to be around Elizabeth and eventually became involved in the plots.
Who was John Somerville and what did he do?
How did parliament respond?
- John Somerville was an English catholic. He attempted to assassinate Elizabeth.
- Parliament responded by passing the ‘Bond of Association’ - if Elizabeth was assassinated, parliament would ensure the murderers were punished.
What happened to Mary Queen of Scots after the Throckmorten plot?
- She was moved to Staffordshire.
- She was banned from receiving visitors and all of her mail was checked by the secret service.
Who were the jesuits?
The jesuits were specially trained catholic priests.
What did Elizabeth do to keep the jesuits under control?
Why did Elizabeth follow a policy of toleration towards the catholics? (3 reasons)
- It was possible that the Catholic powers in Europe may try to intervene if the persecution of Catholics took place.
- There were many powerful Catholic nobles within Wales and England, especially in the north of England.
- Many people were Catholic, and Elizabeth needed their loyalty and support to be a successful Queen.
