William Herle (spy) facts for kids

William Herle (died 1589) was an English person who held many different jobs! He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He was also a county sheriff, like a chief law enforcement officer. But that's not all! He was also a privateer, which was like a government-approved pirate, and a spy.

Herle became famous for his work while he was in Marshalsea prison in 1571. He was part of Elizabeth I's special information network inside the jail. He helped send secret messages for important people like William Cecil. These messages were about a secret plan called the Ridolfi plot. This plot was a plan to harm Queen Elizabeth I and put Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne instead.

Herle's Early Adventures

Working for Important People

In 1565, William Herle started working for Sir William Garrard. Sir Garrard was the Lord Mayor of London, a very important leader in the city. He had business dealings in the northern seas. This work helped Herle get noticed by William Cecil. Cecil was one of Queen Elizabeth I's most trusted advisors.

Cecil hired Herle in the mid-1560s. Herle's job was to travel and deliver supplies to England's friends and allies. He even helped raid ships on the River Thames. This was a way to disrupt trade and gather resources.

Trouble with Privateering

Herle's actions as a privateer caused some problems. Margaret, Duchess of Parma, who was a Spanish leader in the Netherlands, asked Elizabeth I to make Herle stop.

In July 1566, Herle decided to turn himself in to William Cecil. He was questioned about his privateering activities. During a trial later that month, he was found not guilty. This was because he wasn't on the ship called Tigger when the raid happened.

Life in Prison

A Spy Behind Bars

Even though Herle was found not guilty in one case, he ended up in prison for other actions. Being a privateer could sometimes lead to serious trouble. However, Herle often found ways to avoid the worst punishments. He would stay in jail and write about his experiences.

Herle kept a journal while in prison. He wrote to William Cecil about his own life and the lives of other prisoners. His writings are very helpful today. They give us a good look at what jail was like during the Tudor period in England.

Uncovering Secret Plans

In 1571, Herle wrote many times to William Cecil about the Ridolfi plot. This was the dangerous plan against Queen Elizabeth I. Herle was able to get secret letters to Cecil. These letters proved that there was a real plot against the Queen. He even wrote about Mary I of Scotland's visitors, who were involved in the plot.