Exeter Conspiracy facts for kids

The Exeter Conspiracy was a suspected plot in 1538. It was thought to be an attempt to remove King Henry VIII from power. The plan was to replace him with his cousin, Henry Courtenay, 1st Marquess of Exeter. King Henry VIII had recently taken control of the Church of England away from the Pope.

What Was the Conspiracy?

The King's government accused the Marquess of Exeter of disloyalty. He was found guilty of plotting against the King by other important people in Westminster Hall. Other people were also accused of being part of this plot.

Some historians believe that the plot was made to seem much bigger than it was. This might have been done by Thomas Cromwell, a very powerful advisor to the King. Another person, Richard Rich, 1st Baron Rich, might also have been involved in exaggerating the plot.

However, other historians, like J. A. Froude, suggest that the Courtenay family was very powerful in areas like Devon and Cornwall. This power might explain why they were seen as a threat. There is also some evidence that Courtenay had the ability and plans to start a rebellion against the King.

The accusations against Courtenay were based on letters he exchanged with Reginald Pole. Reginald Pole was a Catholic leader and also a possible claimant to the English throne. The accusations also came from the confession of Geoffrey Pole, Reginald's brother.

What Happened Next?

Since Reginald Pole was out of the King's reach, King Henry VIII punished Pole's family. They were accused of disloyalty against the King. Important family members, including Pole's mother, Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, were executed. All their lands and wealth were taken by the King. This action greatly harmed the Pole family.

Sir Geoffrey Pole was arrested in August 1538. He had been writing letters to Reginald. During the investigation of Henry Courtenay, Sir Geoffrey's name came up. He was then arrested and questioned.

During questioning, Sir Geoffrey said that his eldest brother, Henry Pole, 1st Baron Montagu, and Exeter were also involved in writing to Reginald. Montagu, Exeter, Sir Edward Neville, and Lady Salisbury were all arrested in November 1538. Other family members were also arrested. They were accused of disloyalty. Even though Cromwell had previously said they had "little offended," they were sent to the Tower of London.

Trials and Punishments

In November 1538, Sir Edward Neville was executed for disloyalty. In January 1539, Sir Geoffrey was pardoned. Montagu and Exeter were tried and executed for disloyalty. Reginald Pole was also found guilty even though he was not present for the trial.

In May 1539, Montagu, Exeter, Lady Salisbury, and others were officially stripped of their lands and titles. This meant they lost their properties, mostly in the South of England. These lands were important because they were close to where an invasion might happen. Those still alive in the Tower were also sentenced to death. This meant the King could have them executed whenever he wished.

As part of the evidence against them, Cromwell presented a special tunic. It had symbols of the Five Wounds of Christ on it. This was meant to show Lady Salisbury's support for the Catholic Church and for Reginald and Mary. However, this tunic was supposedly found six months after her house had been searched. Many believe this discovery was made up.

In 1539, Sir Nicholas Carew, who had been a favorite of the King, also fell out of favor. He was arrested and executed. At his trial, it was claimed he had plotted with Exeter.

Margaret Pole, the Countess of Salisbury, was held in the Tower of London for two and a half years. She faced very difficult conditions. She, her grandson (Montagu's son), and Exeter's son were held together. In 1540, Cromwell himself lost the King's favor and was executed. Margaret Pole was finally executed in 1541. She continued to say she was innocent until the very end. Her execution was a very public event. Many people at the time and later believed it was a great mistake. Reginald Pole famously said he would "never fear to call himself the son of a martyr." About 350 years later, in 1886, Margaret was declared a saint by Pope Leo XIII.

The Conspiracy in Plays and TV

• The events of the 'Exeter Conspiracy' were shown in a play called Our Father/Pater Noster (2009). It was performed in May 2009 at St Nicholas' Priory in Exeter.
• The arrest and execution of the Pole family members were shown in Season 3 of the TV show The Tudors.