Depth Four - Revolt of the Northern Earls
Mary, Queen of Scots
● She had a legitimate claim to the throne via Henry VII
● Catholic - potential figurehead
● She had a son - solved succession question
● Elizabeth considered illegitimate due to Henry and Annes annulment
● Elizabeth was concerned for spanish crusade if Mary gained a following
International Threat
● Mary spent her youth in france, where the English had attempted to capture her
● Marys rule over France enhanced Englands security because Spain wouldnt support
France
● France would have to much power if Mary was also QofE, the french would control
the English channel and stop Spain from controlling Netherlands
● Mays rule in England was disastrous and she was imprisoned
● Forced to abdicate in favour of her young son, James
Relations With Spain
William Cecil - Elizabeths most trusted advisor
● Worked to create a religious settlement to keep protestants and catholics happy
● Blamed Cecil for war with spain
● Spains defeat of the Netherlands put england in a position of invasion
● Cecil ordered the Spanish bullions should be seized - worsened tension
The Court Plot
● They didnt intend to throw Elizabeth off the throne
● Included Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk and Earls of Northumberland and
Westmorland
● Desired to end the war and remove cecil
● Norfolk was meant to marry Mary
● Elizabeth refused to marry or name a successor as she feared it would reduce her
power
● Mary would be easily controlled if married to an English noble
● Norfolk would use his power to make Elizabeth confirm Mary as her successor
● Some thought Mary would convert to protestantism as Norfolk was publicly protestant
but secretly catholic
Sept 1569 - Elizabeth found out about the plan, forbade further discussion
● The plot encouraged discontent amongst Catholics to overthrow
Duke of Norfolk
● Loyal server of Elizabeth but ended up a leading member of plot
● A rising led by him would be impactful and dangerous
● His best option was to remain loyal
● He wrote to Westmorland asking him not to rebel
● His aim may have been to restore traditional role of monarchy
Mary, Queen of Scots
● She had a legitimate claim to the throne via Henry VII
● Catholic - potential figurehead
● She had a son - solved succession question
● Elizabeth considered illegitimate due to Henry and Annes annulment
● Elizabeth was concerned for spanish crusade if Mary gained a following
International Threat
● Mary spent her youth in france, where the English had attempted to capture her
● Marys rule over France enhanced Englands security because Spain wouldnt support
France
● France would have to much power if Mary was also QofE, the french would control
the English channel and stop Spain from controlling Netherlands
● Mays rule in England was disastrous and she was imprisoned
● Forced to abdicate in favour of her young son, James
Relations With Spain
William Cecil - Elizabeths most trusted advisor
● Worked to create a religious settlement to keep protestants and catholics happy
● Blamed Cecil for war with spain
● Spains defeat of the Netherlands put england in a position of invasion
● Cecil ordered the Spanish bullions should be seized - worsened tension
The Court Plot
● They didnt intend to throw Elizabeth off the throne
● Included Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk and Earls of Northumberland and
Westmorland
● Desired to end the war and remove cecil
● Norfolk was meant to marry Mary
● Elizabeth refused to marry or name a successor as she feared it would reduce her
power
● Mary would be easily controlled if married to an English noble
● Norfolk would use his power to make Elizabeth confirm Mary as her successor
● Some thought Mary would convert to protestantism as Norfolk was publicly protestant
but secretly catholic
Sept 1569 - Elizabeth found out about the plan, forbade further discussion
● The plot encouraged discontent amongst Catholics to overthrow
Duke of Norfolk
● Loyal server of Elizabeth but ended up a leading member of plot
● A rising led by him would be impactful and dangerous
● His best option was to remain loyal
● He wrote to Westmorland asking him not to rebel
● His aim may have been to restore traditional role of monarchy
