The Ridolfi Plot (1571) was a significant conspiracy against Elizabeth I, aiming to replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots, and restore Catholicism in England.
The plot followed the Revolt of the Northern Earls and highlighted ongoing Catholic threats.
Pope's excommunication of Elizabeth in 1570 encouraged Catholic plots.
Supported by Spain, the plot intended to assassinate Elizabeth and install Mary as queen through marriage to the Duke of Norfolk.
Key Figures
Roberto Ridolfi: Florentine banker, orchestrated the plot and communicated with the Duke of Norfolk and Philip II.
Mary, Queen of Scots: Imprisoned by Elizabeth, central figure of the plot, intended to marry Norfolk.
Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk: Respected Protestant noble, planned to marry Mary and lead a rebellion.
Philip II of Spain: Supported the plot, planned to send 10,000 troops if necessary.
Plot Details
Ridolfi traveled to the Spanish Netherlands in March 1571, negotiating support from the Pope, Philip II, and the Duke of Alba.
The plan involved Norfolk leading a rebellion with Spanish military support.
The plot's ambition relied on the assassination of Elizabeth, marking it as high treason.
Sir William Cecil uncovered the plot, leading to the arrest of Norfolk in September 1571.
Ridolfi avoided consequences as he was not in England at the time of discovery.
Consequences
Short-term: Execution of the Duke of Norfolk in June 1572; Mary remained imprisoned but a continued threat.
Long-term: Increased anti-Catholic measures and surveillance; reinforced Spanish threat perception.
Laws Against Catholics (1581)
Introduction of stricter anti-Catholic laws in response to plots:
Recusancy Fine: Increased to £20, financially crippling for many families.
Treason Definition: Expanded to include converting individuals to Catholicism.
These measures failed to completely eliminate Catholic conspiracies.
Historical Context
Post-Ridolfi Plot saw heightened tensions with Spain as they suppressed the Dutch Revolt.
The plot underscored the danger posed by international Catholic alliances against Elizabeth.
Exam Tips
When discussing the Ridolfi Plot, connect it to wider European context and the significance of Catholic-Protestant tensions during Elizabeth's reign.
Understand the plot's role in reinforcing Elizabeth's anti-Catholic policies and its impact on Spanish-English relations.