Babington Plot Uncovered

1586

Francis Walsingham's agents intercepted coded letters between Mary Queen of Scots, imprisoned at Chartley, and a young Catholic gentleman named Anthony Babington plotting to assassinate Elizabeth. Mary approved the plan in writing. Walsingham added a postscript asking for names, and now had the evidence he wanted. Walsingham's espionage provided the evidence needed to try Mary Queen of Scots, removing the Catholic threat to Elizabeth's throne.