Francis Throckmorton, who comes from a staunch…
November 1583 CE
Francis Throckmorton, who comes from a staunch Roman Catholic family and is the nephew of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, a diplomat for Elizabeth, had received his education at the University of Oxford, before traveling to the Continent in 1580, where he had met Catholic exiles from England who were plotting against Elizabeth's Protestant regime.
He returns in 1583 as an agent for a conspiracy involving France and Spain.
Under the plan, England is to be invaded by a French force under Henri, duc de Guise, who is to free Elizabeth's prisoner Mary, Queen of Scots, and restore papal authority.
In London, Throckmorton occupies a house that served as a center of communication between Mary and foreign agents.
But Walsingham in November 1583 uncovers the conspiracy and Throckmorton is arrested.
Tortured on the rack, he makes a full confession.