gunpowder plot

• Why did the Gunpowder Plotters want to overthrow the King?


  They wanted to kill the King and replace him with Princess Elizabeth.
• What event in 1570 influenced the actions of Catholics in England?


  Elizabeth I was excommunicated by the Pope.
• How did Elizabeth I respond to the excommunication of 1570?


  She actively prevented Catholics from practicing their faith.
• What was the hope of Catholics when James I became King?


  They hoped for more religious freedom than under Elizabeth I.
• What strict measures did James I introduce against Catholics?


  He introduced strict anti-Catholic measures.
• Who was the leader of the Gunpowder Plotters?

  Robert Catesby
• What personal background influenced Robert Catesby's actions?


  His father was imprisoned for hiding a Catholic priest.
• Which notable figure did Catesby recruit for the Gunpowder Plot?

  Guy Fawkes
• What were the aims of the Gunpowder Plotters?


  • Set off an explosion to kill the King on 5 November 1605
  • Kill the elite attending the state opening of Parliament
  • Replace James I with Princess Elizabeth to promote their religious aims
• When did the conspirators first meet to plan the Gunpowder Plot?


  20 May 1604
• What did the conspirators do under the House of Lords?

  They packed it with 36 barrels of gunpowder.
• What warning did Lord Monteagle receive on 20 October 1605?


  He received a letter warning him not to attend the state opening of Parliament.
• What action did Lord Monteagle take after receiving the warning letter?


  He passed the letter to Robert Cecil, the king's spy master.
• What was discovered during the search ordered by Robert Cecil?


  Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder were uncovered.
• What do some historians believe about Robert Cecil's knowledge of the plot?


  They believe he knew about it in advance but let it proceed.
• What was the trial and punishment process for the conspirators?

  • The conspirators were tortured for confessions.
  • Guy Fawkes was put on the rack.
  • Their trial began in January 1606.
  • They were found guilty of treason.
  • Sentenced to death by hanging, drawing, and quartering.
• When did Guy Fawkes confess to his involvement in the plot?


  17 November 1605
• What impact did Fawkes's confession have on public attitudes?


  It encouraged widespread anti-Catholic attitudes.
• What did the Thanksgiving Act of 1605 mandate?


  It ordered annual commemoration of the events of 5 November.
• What restrictions were placed on Catholics after the Gunpowder Plot?


  Catholics were banned from working in the legal profession or becoming army officers.
• What did the Popish Recusants Act of 1606 require from Catholics?


  It forced them to take an oath of allegiance to the English crown.
• What were the consequences for Catholics who did not attend Church of England services?

  They had to pay recusancy fines.
• Until what year were Catholics banned from voting, becoming MPs, or owning land?

  Until 1829
• What were the long-term consequences of the Gunpowder Plot for Catholics in England?


  • Increased prejudice against Catholics
  • Banned from voting or being MPs
  • Banned from being lawyers or army officers