Ralph Lygon facts for kids
Ralph Liggons (born 1540, died 1619) was an English Catholic who supported Mary, Queen of Scots. He was involved in several secret plans during his lifetime.
About Ralph Liggons' Family
Ralph Liggons came from the Lygon family in Worcestershire, England. His father was William Lygon. Ralph's brother, Richard, was the head of their family. They lived at a place called Madresfield Court. Ralph's nephew, William Lygon, later became a Member of Parliament. This means he was elected to help make laws for the country. Historians often spell his last name as "Liggons" or "Ligons."
Ralph Liggons' Life and Activities
Ralph Liggons was present at an important event in December 1566. He attended the baptism of James VI at Stirling Castle in Scotland. During this visit, Mary, Queen of Scots gave him a special gift: a gold chain.
Later, in 1569, Ralph Liggons was part of a major event called the Rising of the North. He also worked with Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk and Mary, Queen of Scots on secret plans. He even received money, called a pension, from Philip II of Spain. In 1577, Mary's secretary, Claude Nau, sent Ralph a secret code. This code was for their letters so no one else could read them.
After a secret plan known as the Ridolfi Plot was discovered, Ralph Liggons had to leave England. He lived in other countries like Brussels and Paris for a while. Mary, Queen of Scots also left him money in her will when she died.
Ralph Liggons was also connected to the famous Gunpowder Plot in 1605. This was a plan to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London.
