Case study: the crimes and punishment of the Gunpowder Plotters, 1605

What happened to Elizabeth I in 1570 that increased anti-Catholic persecution?

She was excommunicated by the Pope, who called on Catholics to get rid of her.

Why did Catholics initially have hope when James I became king?

 He had a Catholic wife, so they thought he might allow more religious freedom.

What did James I actually do about Catholicism?

 He introduced strict anti-Catholic measures.

Who was the leader of the Gunpowder Plotters?

Robert Catesby.

What was Robert Catesby’s background with religion?

His father was imprisoned for hiding a Catholic priest, and Catesby himself refused to take a Protestant oath at university.

What was the main aim of the Gunpowder Plot?

To blow up the King and Parliament at the state opening on 5 November 1605.

Who else would be killed in the explosion?

Senior judges, Protestant bishops, aristocrats, and the elite of society.

Who did the plotters want to replace James I with?

 His daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

Why Princess Elizabeth?

They hoped to influence her to promote their Catholic aims.

When did the conspirators first meet?

20 May 1604.

What did the plotters do under the House of Lords?

Rented a cellar and filled it with 36 barrels of gunpowder.

What warning letter was sent on 20 October 1605?

Lord Monteagle was warned not to attend Parliament.

Who did Monteagle give the letter to?

Robert Cecil, the king’s spy master.

What happened after the search of the cellar?

Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder were discovered.

Why do some historians think Cecil knew in advance?

They believe he let the plot develop to justify harsher anti-Catholic laws.

How was Guy Fawkes tortured?

He was put on the rack.

When did Fawkes confess?

17 November, twelve days after his arrest.

What were the conspirators found guilty of?

Treason.

What was their punishment?

Execution by being hanged, drawn and quartered.

What was the purpose of the ‘King’s Book’?

 To spread James I’s version of the plot and encourage anti-Catholic views.

What did the 1605 Thanksgiving Act order?

Annual commemoration of 5 November (origin of Bonfire Night).

After the plot, what professions were Catholics banned from?

Becoming lawyers or army officers.

What did the 1606 Popish Recusants Act require Catholics to do?

Swear an oath of allegiance and pay recusancy fines if they didn’t attend Church of England services.

Until when were Catholics banned from voting, becoming MPs, or owning land?

Until 1829.