The Ridolfi Plot

Question 1

The Ridolfi Plot: date

Answer 1

1571

Question 2

What was the Privy Council’s reaction to the Ridolfi Plot?

Answer 2

• 1752 Council persuaded Elizabeth to summon Parliament, citing the need to raise money.
• Their real purpose was to secure the execution of both Norfolk and Mary Queen of Scots.
• Cecil took the lead in demanding Norfolk’s execution and in drawing up two bills against Mary

Question 3

What did Parliament do Ridolfi Plot?

Answer 3

• Bills –> one calling for Mary’s execution and one barring her from the succession
• Acts –> Passed prohibiting anyone bringing Papal Bulls into the country and making it high treason to deny Elizabeth her title as Queen.
• A decree also confirmed that any claimant to the throne who had foreknowledge of Elizabeth’s assassination was to be excluded from the succession.
• 1851 Act redefined treason as also applying to those who drew the allegiance of English subjects away from their Queen or her Church.

Question 4

Elizabeth’s reaction to the Ridolfi Polt?

Answer 4

• Elizabeth twice delayed signing Mary’s death warrant
• Finally agreed to Norfolk’s execution to placate the Commons
• Would only consider bill barring Mary from succession
• Elizabeth intervened to reduce the penalties in 1581 Act for those Catholics who would not attend church.

Question 5

What was the Ridolfi Plot:

Answer 5

• An Italian Catholic banker was accused of trying to arrange the marriage of Mary to the Duke of Norfolk
• Roberto di Ridolfi