Plots & Threats

• Fear of Plots

  Despite positive measures, fear of plots was on-going as European Superpowers France and Spain were both catholic and the Pope himself declared Elizabeth a heretic and actively encouraged plots against her
• Revolt of the Northern Earls - 1569


  Catholic Earls hatch a plan to get Mary Q.o.S out of imprisonment, married to the Duke of Norfolk and onto the throne by gathering an army of 6000 to return England to Catholicism
• Revolt of the Northern Earls - Consequences

  Elizabeth received news of the plan and sent a huge army to crush the rebellion. 800 rebels were put to death and 2 Earls fled to Scotland
• The Ridolfi Plot - 1571


  Roberto Ridolfi planned to assassinate Elizabeth and make Mary O.o.S queen, possessing support from King Philip II
• The Babington Plot - 1586


  Sir Anthony Babington plans to rescue Mary Q.o.S from prison and murder Elizabeth
• Puritan Threats

  Puritans offered a much smaller challenge to Elizabeth as they were a smaller minority, whilst despite operating in London, Cambridge and parts of East Anglia, they lacked impact on the Northern England. The government was able to ignore most Puritan demands for reformation, suggesting their power was limited
• Dealing with Mary Q.o.S

  • Get Mary out of the country - send Mary to Scotland or France which could allow her to gather more support
  • Keep Mary imprisoned - reduce the risk of Mary gather more support, however unlawful imprisonment could provoke international outcry and attacks anyway
  • Executing Mary - removing the figurehead for the Catholic challengers, could provoke attacks
• Mary’s Execution

  Mary is found guilty of treason and executed on the 8th February 1587. Elizabeth wrote to King James apologising for the death if his mother