The Babington Plot

What was the Babington Plot?

In the Babington Plot of 1586, plotters sought to kill Elizabeth, free Mary, Queen of Scots, and restore the Catholic faith in England. Letters between Mary and Babington were discovered by Elizabeth's spy network.

Who was involved in the Babington Plot?

The plot involved:

• ❖ Anthony Babington - a 25-year-old Catholic.
• ❖ John Ballard - a Jesuit priest.
• ❖ Mary, Queen of Scots.

Why did the Babington Plot fail?

The Babington plot failed for the following reasons:

• ❖ Babington openly expressed in a letter to Mary that Elizabeth must be killed.
• ❖ Mary, Queen of Scots, responded to Babington's letters agreeing to the plan.
• ❖ The letters were intercepted by Walsingham's spy network and decoded.

What were the consequences of the Babington Plot?

There were three main consequences of this plot.

• ❖ Mary was put on trial and eventually executed.
• ❖ Babington was tortured and executed.
• ❖ It led to retaliation against Catholics, with hundreds being arrested and some priests executed.