The Babington plot

WHEN?

1586

WHAT?

• The Duke of Guise would invade England, murder Elizabeth and put Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne. Phillip ii and the pope supported the plot.
• Anthony Babington, a Catholic, wrote to Mary in July 1586 about the conspiracy
• Walsingham intercepted the letters which demonstrated Mary's support and involvement in the plot.  
• Babington and the plotters were sentenced to death and were hung, drawn and quartered.
• October 1586, Mary was sentenced to death. Elizabeth delayed signing Mary's death warrant but finally did it in February 1587.

SIGNIFICANCE ON THE PLOT

• Elizabeth's situation was more precarious.
• By 1585, England and Spain were virtually at war
• The persecution of Catholics intensified.
• Led to the execution of MQOS