Catholic Plots

This section gives an overview and timeline of the Catholic Plots Against Elizabeth I. The 1570s and 1580s were perilous times for Elizabeth I’s reign as she faced significant threats from Catholic conspiracies. These plots shared a common aim: to depose Elizabeth and install the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne, thereby returning England to Catholicism. Below is a detailed summary of the key plots, their aims, and how Elizabeth responded to them.

The Four Major Catholic Plots Against Elizabeth

Date	Plot	Details	Elizabeth’s Actions
1569	The Northern Earls’ Rebellion	Two Catholic earls, the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, planned to free Mary, Queen of Scots from prison and place her on the throne. They raised an army of 6,000 soldiers to overthrow Elizabeth and restore Catholicism in England.	Elizabeth acted swiftly. Her forces crushed the rebellion with a large army. In retribution, 800 rebels were executed, and the two earls fled to Scotland to escape capture.
1571	The Ridolfi Plot	Roberto Ridolfi, an Italian banker, plotted to assassinate Elizabeth and install Mary as queen. This plan had international backing, including support from King Philip II of Spain, the Duke of Norfolk, and Mary, Queen of Scots herself.	Elizabeth’s advisor, Sir William Cecil, uncovered the conspiracy. Ridolfi and the Spanish ambassador were arrested and expelled, while the Duke of Norfolk was executed.
1583	The Throckmorton Plot	Francis Throckmorton, a young Catholic, orchestrated a scheme involving a French invasion of England. The plan was financed by the Pope and King Philip II of Spain and aimed to replace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots.	Elizabeth’s agents discovered the plot. Throckmorton was executed, and Mary was moved to Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire, where she was kept in isolation with no visitors allowed.
1586	The Babington Plot	Sir Anthony Babington conspired to free Mary, Queen of Scots and assassinate Elizabeth. Secret letters between Mary and the plotters were intercepted, providing clear evidence of Mary’s involvement.	This marked a turning point. Mary, Queen of Scots, was put on trial and executed in 1587. Babington and six other conspirators were also executed for treason.

Using the Timeline to Remember the Plots

1569: Northern Earls’ Rebellion

Goal: Free Mary, Queen of Scots, and restore Catholicism.
Outcome: Rebellion crushed; 800 rebels executed.

1571: Ridolfi Plot

Goal: Assassinate Elizabeth and crown Mary.
Outcome: Plot foiled; Ridolfi expelled and the Duke of Norfolk executed.

1583: Throckmorton Plot

Goal: French invasion to depose Elizabeth and enthrone Mary.
Outcome: Plot discovered; Throckmorton executed, and Mary moved to stricter confinement.

1586: Babington Plot

Goal: Assassinate Elizabeth and rescue Mary.
Outcome: Mary, Babington, and co-conspirators executed.

Context: Religious Settlement and Tensions

These plots emerged from deep divisions caused by Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement of 1559, which established Protestantism as the state religion and alienated Catholics. The Catholic Church excommunicated Elizabeth in 1570, declaring her illegitimate and encouraging her overthrow. This increased the urgency of Catholic plots, as they sought not only to replace Elizabeth but also to re-establish Catholic dominance in England.

By successfully uncovering and defeating these conspiracies, Elizabeth strengthened her position as queen and demonstrated the effectiveness of her advisors, especially Sir Francis Walsingham, whose spy network played a crucial role in foiling these threats. The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587 effectively ended Catholic hopes of using her as a figurehead to depose Elizabeth.

Conclusion

The Catholic plots of the 1570s and 1580s were defining moments in Elizabeth’s reign. Her decisive actions in suppressing these threats reinforced her authority and ensured the stability of Protestant England during a time of great religious and political turbulence.

Log in