Gerard's conspiracy facts for kids

A secret plan, known as Gerard's Conspiracy, happened in England in May 1654. A group of people called Royalists made this plan. They wanted to kill England's leader, Oliver Cromwell, who was called the Lord Protector. But the plan was found out before they could try anything. About forty men were arrested. Three of them were put on trial for a serious crime called treason. John Gerard, who was a main leader, was found guilty and put to death. Another man, Peter Vowell, was also executed. Somerset Fox admitted he was guilty and was sent away to a different country. Some Royalists believed that Cromwell had tricked the conspirators.

Gerard's Conspiracy: A Royalist Plot

In early 1654, a young man named John Gerard traveled to France. There, he met Charles II, who was the son of the last king and hoped to become king himself. Gerard was introduced to Charles II by his cousin, Charles Gerard, Lord Brandon. Soon after John Gerard returned to England in May 1654, a secret plan was discovered. This plan was to kill Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector, as he traveled to Hampton Court.

What Was the Plan?

The plan was quite bold. It was said that John Gerard, along with a Royalist major named Henshaw, and about 30 other men on horses, would attack Lord Protector Cromwell. They planned to ambush him as he rode to Hampton Court. After overpowering his guards and killing Cromwell, they aimed to take over important places. These included Whitehall, which was a government building, and the Tower of London. Their final goal was to announce that Charles II was the new king of England.

Who Was Involved?

After the plot was discovered, about forty people were arrested. Among those arrested were important figures like Aubrey, Earl of Oxford. Also arrested were the two Ashburnham brothers, John and William. Sir Richard Willis was also taken into custody. John Gerard and his older brother, Sir Gilbert, were also among those arrested.

The Trial and What Happened Next

Only three men were put on trial for their part in the conspiracy. These were John Gerard, Peter Vowell, who was a schoolmaster, and Somerset Fox. Their trial began on June 3. Somerset Fox admitted that he was guilty. Because he confessed, he was sentenced to be sent away to Barbados.

The other two men, John Gerard and Peter Vowell, were found guilty. The evidence against them came from ten of their own friends who were also involved. One of these was Gerard's younger brother, Charles, who was only nineteen years old. John Gerard himself was just twenty-two. Gerard stated that he had gone to Paris for personal reasons. He also said that King Charles II had told his friends not to get involved in any plots. However, his younger brother Charles gave reluctant evidence. This evidence suggested that Gerard had treasonable conversations with Henshaw and others in taverns.

John Gerard's Fate

Both John Gerard and Peter Vowell were sentenced to death by hanging. Peter Vowell was hanged as planned. However, John Gerard asked if he could be beheaded instead, and his request was granted. John Gerard died bravely on July 10, 1654, at Tower Hill. He declared that he was a loyal Royalist. But he continued to deny that he had taken part in the conspiracy.

Some Royalist writers later published a copy of a speech Gerard had prepared. They claimed that he had fallen into a trap set by Cromwell. This idea was discussed in detail by Reginald Palgrave in a historical review in 1888. However, there has never been any clear proof that Oliver Cromwell was involved in setting a trap.