Catholic Nobility
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 2.2.4
Role of the Catholic Nobility
Many nobles remained Catholic during the Reformation. These Catholic nobles did not believe that Protestant monarchs had a legitimate right to rule England. They wanted to install Mary, Queen of Scots (a Catholic) on the English throne.
Recusancy
- Many in the nobility continued to attend Catholic masses within their households.
- Largely these private masses were ignored as long as they also attended the Church of England.
Factions at Court
- Under Elizabeth I, one third of peers were Catholic. Thus, Catholicism was still a major force in court politics.
- E.g. Christopher Hatton.
- There was a strong conservative faction in Elizabeth’s court (predominantly Catholic). Following the Northern Rebellion, the influence of this faction waned.
The Northern Rebellion, 1569
- Catholic nobles, particularly the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, wanted to overthrow Elizabeth and place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne.
- Mary Queen of Scots was intended to marry another noble, the Duke of Norfolk.
The Ridolfi Plot, 1571
- An Italian banker plotted to assassinate Elizabeth. This was supported by the King of Spain and the Duke of Norfolk.
The Throckmorton Plot, 1583
- Sir Francis Throckmorton (a Catholic) planned to assassinate Elizabeth I, free Mary Queen of Scots, and coordinate this with a Spanish invasion.
The Babington Plot, 1586
- Sir Anthony Babington (a Catholic) intended to free Mary Queen of Scots and assassinate Elizabeth.
- This plot was foiled and Mary was executed.
Test yourself on Catholic Nobility
Under Elizabeth I, what proportion of peers were Catholic?