Plots against Elizabeth

Roberto Ridolfi was an Italian banker and spy for the Pope
in 1571 he agreed to arrange a plot to murder Elizabeth and launch a Spanish invasion, putting ==Mary== on the throne - like in the Plot of the Northern Earls, Mary was to marry the Duke of Norfolk
In March 1571, Ridolfi left England to discuss the Plot with ==Phillip II of Spain==, ==the Pope== and ==the Duke of Alba==, and had a letter from ==the Duke of Norfolk== showing his support for the plot
Sir William Cecil uncovered the plot and Norfolk was executed for treason (although Elizabeth refused to execute Mary) - Ridolfi never returned to England
Because of the threat from Spain, Elizabeth focused on improving relations with France

a plan for the French Duke of Guise (Mary’s cousin) to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth, setting Mary free and restoring Catholicism
Phillip II would provide financial support and Francis Throckmorton would act as a go-between with Mary and inform her of the plan - the Pope approved of the plan
Sir Francis Walsingham uncovered the plot which led to Throckmorton’s execution in 1584 -the papers discovered included a list of Catholic sympathisers, leading to Catholics being treated with more suspicion.
led to the 1585 Act of Parliament - helping and sheltering Catholic priests was punishable by death, and 1585 Act of Association - any Catholic plot which benefitted Mary meant she could be charged with treason

The Duke of Guise (Mary’s cousin) would invade with 60,000 men and put Mary on the throne
This plot had the support of the Pope and Phillip II
Anthony Babington, a Catholic with links to the French, told Mary of the plot in July 1586, but her letters were intercepted by Walsingham & all involved were arrested
In October 1586, Mary was tried by the Privy council and found guilty, being executed on the 8th of February 1587