Babington Plot

The Babington Plot was an attempt to assassinate Elizabeth I, and to place Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne. However, it turned to be a failure, and Mary was executed.

The plot was given a name after Anthony Babington, an English catholic whose goal was to re-establish Catholicism in England. Babington wanted Mary to become the Queen of England, who at that time was already captured by Elizabeth I. He began to write letters to Mary promising her a rescue and the English throne. The Babington Plot found support not only by Babington but by other Catholics from all over Europe that wanted to assassinate Elizabeth. Even the Spanish King, Philip II promised to send his troops to England.

Elizabeth knew from her secretary, Sir Francis Walsingham about Mary’s plans regarding the English throne however, she refused to have Mary assassinate in view of the fact that there was no evidence of the Babington Plot. So, the goal of Sir Walsingham was to provide this evidence to Elizabeth. To get a proof of Mary’s guilt he sent his spies to Mary. However Babington and Mary did not realize that spies intercepted their letters. In 1586, Anthony Babington wrote a new letter to Mary with the details of the plot. He asked for Mary's permission to assassinate Elizabeth. Mary in her turn agreed with all aspects of the plot, and by doing this she condemned herself to death since the letter was copied and forwarded by spies to the secretary of Elizabeth I.

Babington as well as other conspirators were tried and executed in August 1586. Although Elizabeth was first against Mary being executed, and even refused to sign her death warrant, she was forced by Parliament to do so. Mary, Queen of Scots was tried on the basis of the evidence provided and executed in February 1587.

Sources

• Williams, Brenda and Williams, Brian. Kings & Queens. History Press Jarrold Publishing, 2004

• http://www.history-magazine.com/babington.html

• http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TUDbabingtonP.htm

• http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Documents/Babington_plot.htm