Henry Donn facts for kids

Henry Donn (also known as Henry Dunn) was a person who lived in England a long time ago. He was involved in a secret plan called the Babington Plot in 1586. This plan aimed to remove Queen Elizabeth I from her throne and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots. Queen Elizabeth was a Protestant, and Mary, Queen of Scots, was Catholic.

Henry Dunn died on September 21, 1586, because of his part in this plot.

Henry Dunn's Family Background

Henry Dunn came from a family that was quite well-off and Catholic. His father was Christopher Dunn, from a place called Addington, Kent. Local church records from that time always spelled the family name as Dunn.

The main landowner in their area was Thomas Watton. Henry was likely one of Christopher Dunn's younger children. Some of his older brothers and sisters got married in Addington Church between 1570 and 1576. Henry Dunn worked as a clerk in a government office called the Office of First Fruits and Tenths.

The Babington Plot

The Babington Plot was a secret plan to change who was in charge of England. At the time, Queen Elizabeth I was the ruler. She was a Protestant. Some people wanted to replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots, who was Catholic. This was a very serious matter in England during that period.

Henry Dunn's Involvement

Henry Dunn met with Anthony Babington, who was the leader of the plot. Henry later said that Babington told him about the secret plans. At first, Henry refused to join and even tried to convince Babington not to go through with it.

However, Babington kept pushing him. Henry eventually agreed to help. He later said he would "do the best I could."

Henry's Last Words

Before his execution, Henry Dunn gave a speech. He said he had lived happily under Queen Elizabeth. He also expressed how sorry he was for his involvement in the plot. He used the word "sorrowful" many times.

He asked for Queen Elizabeth's forgiveness. He also prayed that everyone would find "eternal blessedness." When asked to say a prayer in English, he politely refused and instead said the Lord's Prayer in Latin.

Henry Dunn was then executed by hanging.

His Father's Story

Henry Dunn's father, Christopher Dunn, was also questioned by authorities on August 10, 1586. However, his father said he knew nothing about the plot. He was found innocent and was not punished.