Main Plot facts for kids
The Main Plot was a secret plan from July 1603. Some English courtiers wanted to remove King James I from his throne. They hoped to replace him with his cousin, Lady Arbella Stuart. This plot was supposedly led by Lord Cobham. It was also thought to be funded by the Spanish government.
This secret plan was called the "main" plot because it was seen as the most important one. Another smaller plan, called the Bye Plot, was discovered around the same time. The people accused of being involved in both plots were tried together.
In the story of the plot told at the trial, Lord Cobham was talking with the Count of Aremberg. Aremberg was supposed to help Cobham contact the Spanish court. The goal was to get a very large sum of money, about £160,000. Cobham planned to travel to Brussels and then to Spain to collect this money. After that, he would return to England through Jersey. Sir Walter Raleigh was the governor of Jersey at the time. The plan was for Raleigh and Cobham to share the money. Then, they would decide how to use it to cause trouble and rebellion against the King.
How the Plot Was Discovered
This secret plan came to light during an investigation into the Bye Plot. Sir George Brooke, who was Lord Cobham's brother, was involved in the Bye Plot.
The job of looking through all the information from suspects in the Bye Plot went to William Waad. He carefully sorted out the "main" or serious plot from the rest. He believed this main plot involved important people like Sir Walter Raleigh. Waad then presented what he found to Sir Robert Cecil and the Privy Council. The Privy Council was a group of important advisors to the King.
What Happened Next
After the plot was discovered, Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Raleigh were both sent to the Tower of London. Sir Griffin Markham was also imprisoned there.
Sir Walter Raleigh was held in the Tower for thirteen years. He was eventually executed in 1618. Lord Cobham was very ill when he was released in the same year. He passed away a few months later.
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