Walsingham

• Who was employed to execute Mary?

  Elizabeth
• Who was Sir Francis Walsingham?

  Elizabeth's principal secretary and spymaster
• What method did plotters use to communicate secretly?

  They used coded letters and messages
• How did Elizabeth's government monitor plotters' communications?

  By placing informers in suspects' households
• What was one way Mary’s letters were smuggled out?

  In the heels of her ladies' shoes
• What role did Walsingham have in intercepting letters?

  He employed a skilled letter re-sealer so he could intercept and read the letters without the plotters knowing.
• What was the purpose of employing a leading code breaker?

  To decipher Mary's intercepted letters
• How was Walsingham's system described?

  As ruthless and effective
• Where were Walsingham's agents based?

  In major towns and cities overseas
• What was the role of double agents in Walsingham's network?

  They participated in plots against Elizabeth so they could pass information back to Walsingham
• What was Walsingham's initial position in government?

  Member of Parliament (MP)
• Who did Walsingham work for before reorganizing the spy network?

  Sir William Cecil
• What could customs officials do to travelers from overseas?

  Stop and question them
• Who reported threats to Walsingham?

  The Lord Lieutenants and bishops
• What happened to captured priests and plotters?

  They were tortured and executed
• What did Walsingham influence in Parliament?

  Acts increasing penalties against Catholics
• What did the 1584 Bond of Association pledge?

  Mary was to be executed if Elizabeth was threatened
• What did the House of Commons pressure Elizabeth to do?

  Execute Mary Queen of Scots
• What were the main components of Walsingham's spy network?

  • Employing informers in households
  • Using coded letters and messages
  • Deploying spies in major towns
  • Interrogating captured plotters
  • Influencing Acts in Parliament
• What were the methods used by Elizabeth's government to control threats?

  • Intercepting communications
  • Employing a network of spies
  • Conducting searches and registers
  • Using informers to report threats
  • Interrogating and torturing suspects
• What were the consequences for Catholics during Walsingham's tenure?

  • Increased penalties against Catholics
  • Execution of priests
  • Excommunication of Elizabeth by the Pope
  • Pressure from Parliament for executions