Plots, Conspiracies, and the Succession

Abstract

The rebellion led by the desperate Earl of Essex in 1601 was only the last in a series of plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth that had punctuated the reign. Elizabeth always claimed that she ruled with the love of her subjects and Elizabeth was for the most part a well-loved and popular Queen. A discussion of the plots and attempts against her should not suggest that most of the English people wanted Elizabeth off the throne or dead; in fact, they rallied loyally around her and were infuriated by the conspiracies against their Queen. When they heard about Dr William Parry’s plan to murder Elizabeth in 1585, members of Parliament tried to conceive of an even more horrible death sentence for him than the usual punishment of being hanged, drawn, and quartered. But her Council and Parliament were also well aware of the dangers that could surround Elizabeth, that Catholics could see Elizabeth as a target who, once she was out of way, would allow England to be restored to the true faith. Members of Parliament, especially once word was out about the plots to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary Stuart on the throne, were vehement about the need to protect the Queen; they passed the Queen’s Safety Act and signed a Bond of Association binding them to kill Mary Stuart should an assassin murder their Queen.