oct 25, 1586 - The Babington Plot

Description:

In 1586 a rich young Catholic names Athony Babington planned to kill Elizabeth rescue Mary and place her on the throne.

Babington needed to know if Mary supported his plan. He managed to get Marys servants to hide coded messages within beer barrels that were sent to her room. The messages reached Mary and she replied, giving her backing to the plot.

Unfortunately for Mary the servants were spies for Sir Francis Walsingham. The original message and Marys reply were decoded and taken straight to the queen. It was clear that Mary was plotting to Kill the QUEEN.

With such clear evidence, Elizabeth had little choice but to act. Although still hesitant, She ordered that Mary should go on trial for treason.

She was put on trial in October of 1586 before 36 noblemen in the star court in the palace of Westminster. Mary defended herself strongly explaining she had not had the opportunity to look at the 'evidence' they had against her but she was later found guilty on the 25th october 1586.

Elizabeth was reluctant to sign Marys death warrant as she feared that executing a fellow Monach may cause a revolt or James to revolt. Despite this she signed the death warrant on the 1st of February 1857.

Mary was executed in private severn days later at Fotheringhay Castle.

Even in death she became an important figure. Many saw her as a figure head to her faith and her execution proof that Elizabeth was cruel and wicked. No action came from abroad.

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