Use this mnemonic to remember the plots: Naughty Rebels Try Bumping off Elizabeth.
Elizabeth faced a string of plots that attempted to kill her and place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. All of them failed but they made her feel threatened and so she passed harsher laws against Catholics.
Ridolfi Plot
Led by Ridolfi and the Duke of Norfolk with the support of Spain. After the plan failed, Elizabeth agreed to execute Norfolk.
Throckmorton Plot
A similar plan (kill Elizabeth & replace her with Mary QofS), but this time supported by a French invasion. It failed and Throckmorton was executed. There was insufficient evidence to convict Mary but she was put under a close watch.
Babington Plot
This plot was easily detected by Walsingham as he had been watching Mary closely. His spies discovered coded letters from Mary to Babington that had been smuggled out of the house where Mary was imprisoned. These letters proved that she agreed with the plan to assassinate Elizabeth. Reluctantly, Elizabeth signed Mary's death warrant.
Use this mnemonic to remember the plots: Naughty Rebels Try Bumping off Elizabeth.
Elizabeth faced a string of plots that attempted to assassinate her and place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. All of them failed but they made her feel threatened and so she passed harsher laws against Catholics.
Ridolfi Plot 1571
Led by Ridolfi and the Duke of Norfolk. The plan was to murder Elizabeth and replace her with Mary Queen of Scots. Spain would then invade to support the uprising. However the plot was discovered by Elizabeth's spies and she reluctantly agreed to execute the Duke of Norfolk.
Throckmorton Plot 1583
A similar plan (kill Elizabeth & replace her with Mary QofS), but this time supported by a French invasion. Walsingham's spies discovered the plot and Throckmorton was executed. Mary was put under a close watch.
Babington Plot 1586
This plot was easily detected by Walsingham as he had been watching Mary closely. His spies discovered coded letters from Mary to Babington that had been smuggled out of the house where Mary was imprisoned (in beer barrels). These letters proved that she agreed with the plan to assassinate Elizabeth. After much persuasion from the Privy Council, Elizabeth signed Mary's death warrant.
Use this mnemonic to remember the plots: Naughty Rebels Try Bumping off Elizabeth.
Elizabeth faced a string of plots that attempted to assassinate her and place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. All of them failed but they made her feel threatened and so she passed harsher laws against Catholics.
Ridolfi Plot 1571
Led by Ridolfi and the Duke of Norfolk. The plan was to murder Elizabeth and replace her with Mary Queen of Scots. Spain would then invade to support the uprising. However the plot was discovered by Elizabeth's spies and she reluctantly agreed to execute the Duke of Norfolk.
Throckmorton Plot 1583
A similar plan (kill Elizabeth & replace her with Mary QofS), but this time supported by a French invasion. Walsingham's spies discovered the plot and Throckmorton was executed. Mary was put under a close watch.
Babington Plot 1586
This plot was easily detected by Walsingham as he had been watching Mary closely. His spies discovered coded letters from Mary to Babington that had been smuggled out of the house where Mary was imprisoned (in beer barrels). These letters proved that she agreed with the plan to assassinate Elizabeth. After much persuasion, Elizabeth signed Mary's death warrant.
