... the revolt. However, given the evidence of Elizabeth's anti-Catholic measures in response, it is fair to assess that she feared Mary's influence in England and externally in catalysing a Catholic Counter-Reformation against her, and the Northern Rebellion showed how she would be willing to undertake such a quest. Mary played an essential, iconic role for Catholics revolting, giving them a specific aim - to see her crowned. 'The Ridolfi plot' in 1571 showed continuity in Mary's conspiracy, as once again she was aligned to the Duke of Norfolk, and also - rather worryingly - the Spanish. In the period of foreign tensions, and following English excommunication, Elizabeth feared executing Mary, and instead utilised law to limit religious opposition and her political skill to put-down the Catholic revolts without creating martyrs. The Bond of Association in 1584 showed Elizabeth's subtle anti-Catholic legislation, while the thwarting of the Throckmorton plot - without executing ...

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