Failure of the revolt of the Northern Earls and the Papal Bull of 1570 meant that Elizabeth and her Privy Council treated Catholics with suspicion
Earl of Huntingdon implemented laws against Catholics in the north of England which angered many Catholics, who were now prepared to plot against Elizabeth
Led to Ridolfi plot
Who was Roberto Ridolfi?
An Italian baker who lived in England and was a spy for the pope.
What was the progress of the Ridolfi plot?
:
In 1571, Ridolfi plotted to murder Elizabeth, start a Spanish invasion and put MQS on the throne who would then marry the Duke of Norfolk
March 1571, Ridolfi went to the Netherlands to discuss the plot with the pope, Phillip II and the Duke of Alba
Phillip II instructed Duke of Alba to prepare 10000 troops to send across the English Channel in support
Sir William Cecil discovered the plot and was able to prove that Norfolk was guilty of high treason- Ridolfi remained abroad and never returned
What was the punishment of Duke of Norfolk and MQS?
Parliament reconvened in May 1572 and demanded the execution of both Duke of Norfolk and MQS.
Elizabeth signed Norfolks death warrant who was executed in June 1572.
Elizabeth was reluctant to punish Mary and refused to remove her from succession.
What was the significance of the Ridolfi plot?
:
Reinforced threat from Spain, as Philip II would support any plots against Elizabeth
The threat from Spain meant that England needed to improve relations with France, as England could not fight both countries at once
Confirmed that English Catholics and MQS remained a threat
Government now began to monitor Catholics more closely and treat them more severely
