Ridolfi Plot

• Year of the Ridolfi Plot?

  1571
• What were the aims of the Ridolfi plot?

  • Murder Elizabeth
  • Launch a Spanish invasion
  • Marry MQS to the Duke of Norfolk and put her on throne
• What happened? - The Ridolfi Plot

  • Ridolfi meets with the Duke of Alba, Phillip II and the Pope in the Netherlands
  • Ridolfi had a letter signed by the Duke of Norfolk declaring that he was Catholic and would lead a rebellion if supported by Phillip II
  • Phillip II told the Duke of Alba to prepare 10,000 men to invade England
  • Sir William Cecil uncovered the plot in 1571 and had evidence of letters in code that proved Norfolk guilty
• What were the consequences of the Ridolfi Plot?

  • Norfolk was charged with high treason and was executed June 1572
  • Elizabeth did not take action against Mary
  • Elizabeth tries to make better relations with France as Spain has become a clear threat