Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

The Catholic Challenge

GCSE > History > Eduqas > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Religious challenges and plots > The Catholic Challenge
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Key terms
  • Early in Elizabeth’s reign, Catholics were tolerated if they obeyed the law, and many Catholics attended Anglican services while privately practising their faith. This changed as Elizabeth was increasingly threatened by foreign powers, rebellions, and plots.
  • Foreign powers:
    • Spain and France were Catholic rivals of England so tended to support Catholic plots to destabilise or overthrow Elizabeth. The most impactful attempt at foreign intervention was the Spanish Armada (1588).
    • Elizabeth’s Excommunication (1570): Pope Pius V issued a papal bull (an official order issued by a pope) excommunicating Elizabeth. Catholics were told they no longer had to obey her. This increased the threat of rebellion and foreign invasion, so Elizabeth responded with tougher laws against Catholics.
  • Rebellions: many Catholic nobles supported plots against Elizabeth. The Northern Rebellion (1569) led by the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland aimed to restore Catholicism and free Mary, Queen of Scots. The rebels captured Durham Cathedral but the rebellion failed due to poor organisation and lack of support. The leaders fled to Scotland and Elizabeth ordered harsh punishments to deter future rebellions.
  • Catholic plots:
    • Ridolfi Plot (1571):
      • Planned to replace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots.
      • Planned by Roberto Ridolfi, supported by the Duke of Norfolk and Spain.
      • Discovered by Walsingham’s spies.
      • Norfolk was executed.
    • Throckmorton Plot (1583):
      • Planned French invasion and Catholic uprising, also intending to install Mary, Queen of Scots in Elizabeth’s place. 
      • Francis Throckmorton was arrested and executed.
    • Babington Plot (1586):
      • Planned to assassinate Elizabeth.
      • Led by Anthony Babington and supported by Mary, Queen of Scots. Walsingham’s agents intercepted letters revealing Mary’s involvement.
      • Babington, co-conspirators, and Mary were executed.

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