Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue, and Treason

by Helene Harrison

Elizabeth I. Tudor, Queen, Protestant.

Throughout her reign, Elizabeth I had to deal with many rebellions which aimed to undermine her rule and overthrow her. Led in the main by those who wanted religious freedom and to reap the rewards of power, each one was thwarted but left an indelible mark on Queen Elizabeth and her governance of England.

Learning from earlier Tudor rebellions against Elizabeth’s grandfather, father, and siblings, they were dealt with mercilessly by spymaster Francis Walsingham who pushed for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots due to her involvement, and who created one of the first government spy networks in England.

Espionage, spying and hidden ciphers would demonstrate the lengths Mary was willing to go to gain her freedom and how far Elizabeth’s advisors would go to stop her and protect their Virgin Queen. Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots were rival queens on the same island, pushed together due to religious intolerance and political instability, which created the perfect conditions for revolt, where power struggles would continue even after Mary’s death.

The Elizabethan period is most often described as a Golden Age; Elizabeth I had the knowledge and insight to deal with cases of conspiracy, intrigue, and treason, and perpetuate her own myth of Gloriana.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 16, 2023

About the author

Helene Harrison studied at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, achieving both a BA and MA in History before going on to complete an MSc in Library Management. Her passion for Tudor history started when studying for A Levels and completing a module on Tudor rebellions. Her master’s dissertation focused on portrayals of Anne Boleyn through the centuries, from contemporary letters to modern TV and film adaptations. Now she writes two blogs, one Tudor history and one book-related, and works in the university library of her alma mater. In her spare time, she loves visiting royal palaces and snuggling up with a book or embroidery project. Her books are ‘Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue and Treason’ [2023] ‘Tudor Executions: From Nobility to the Block’ [2024], and 'The Many Faces of Anne Boleyn: Interpreting Image and Perception' [2025].

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.

This book examines Elizabethan rebellions in its various forms during her reign but also highlights earlier rebellions during the Tudor dynasty , gives a good general insight and would interest the general historian

[historic_chronicles · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be a monarch in the 16th century was not a secure position. This, Queen Elizabeth I knew well. From a childhood of uncertainty, with a father who declared her illegitimate following the brutal execution of her mother, and a half-sister who saw her as a threat to her own rule, it would have been inevitable that Elizabeth's own steps into Queenship would have owed itself to years of observation and learning.

The rebellions and plots against Elizabeth during her reign have always caused a great matter of interest. Helene Harrison embarks on a forensic-like examination of the major treasonous schemes that shaped Elizabeth's reign. Unravelling the complex and religious plots that surrounded the queen and her closest advisors, Harrison first directs the reader back to the early Tudor rebellions that prepared future monarchs in their own respective uprisings.

Harrison delves into an intensive investigation of the five major rebellions or plots during the reign of Elizabeth I: the Northern Rising of 1569, the Ridolfi Plot of 1571, the Throckmorton Plot of 1583, the Babington Plot of 1586, and the Essex Rebellion of 1601.

By challenging theories, exploring motives and presenting fresh perspectives, the author is able to reflect upon Elizabeth's actions, within the context of her time, and question why things happened the way they did.

Harrison is a passionate and engaging writer, sympathetic yet fair to her subject. As this is my last read of 2023, I think it's fair to say I finished with a bang.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that focuses only on the rebellions and larger plots against Elizabeth-four that Mary, Queen of Scots either participated in or inspired by being Elizabeth's heir and a Catholic. The final rebellion, the Essex Rebellion, might be considered more Essex throwing a temper tantrum about no longer being Elizabeth's favorite, except he certainly gathered supporters, a few guns were fired, and whether he admitted it or not he was challenging Elizabeth as queen in front of the entire city of London. With rather predictable results- he may have been the only one surprised when he literally lost his head. Author Helen Harrison does a deep dive into each event, exploring theories, international angles, and why Elizabeth acted as she did in each occasion.

My only argument with the book was the heavy repetition it had in it, sometimes from one paragraph to the next, more later in the book than earlier. I'm hoping this is because it is an ARC and editing before the final publication will tighten things up because it got to the point where I could skim pages because it was basically saying the exact same thing. I'm ok with a little repetition to drive a point home or remind us of something from earlier in the book, but trust the reader to remember something they read one paragraph ago.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Spiritedbookishbabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the life and reign of Elizabeth I. Elizabeth faced a lot of criticism and challenges during her reign that weren’t really spoken about. It was a little short for me but had a lot of good information on her life and her time as Queen. It is recommended that people read this book

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The struggle to be a king or queen in any country during Europe's medieval or early modern era was only the beginning. They are either the next in line to the throne and inherit the crown, or they sometimes fight to the death to wear it. After the king or queen settles into ruling their respective countries, the real challenge emerges as they have to deal with rebellions and those who commit treason against their monarch. Take, for example, what happened during the reign of Elizabeth I. We consider her reign the "Golden Age" in English history. Still, she had to deal with numerous rebellions and conspiracies surrounding her viewpoints on religion and how she dealt with her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots. In her first book, "Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue, and Treason," Helene Harrison takes an in-depth look at each rebellion and how they left a mark on Elizabeth I's reign.

Thank you, Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley, for sending me a copy of this book. When I heard about this title online, I was intrigued since many of these rebellions have been covered in books about Mary Queen of Scots or biographies about Elizabeth I. Still, this is the first time I have seen a book about Elizabethan conspiracies.

Harrison begins by showing how early Tudor rebellions shaped the reigns of Elizabeth's family and how the early uprisings affected her time as Queen of England. Beginning with her grandfather, King Henry VII, and the pretenders' rebellions of Lambert Simnel and Perkins Warbeck, we see how important it was to take action against those who threatened to overthrow the Tudors before they even began their rule in earnest. Under Henry VIII, we see the Pilgrimage of Grace, protesting against Protestantism and for the return of Catholicism after the break from Rome. Elizabeth is considered one of the main actors behind the Wyatt Rebellion of 1554 under her sister Queen Mary I.

These previous events would help shape how Elizabeth I dealt with the five significant rebellions during her reign. These five rebellions were: the Northern Rising, Ridolfi Plot, Throckmorton Plot, Babington Plot, and the Essex Rebellion. Four of the five rebellions had something to do with Mary Queen of Scots and the battle between Protestantism versus Catholicism. In contrast, the Essex Rebellion, the final rebellion Elizabeth I dealt with, was more about a spoiled courtier not getting his way in life and blaming it on Elizabeth.

Harrison does not do a typical overview of each rebellion. Instead, she takes a deep dive into the timeline of each event, who was involved, and how they came crashing down. Each revolution had a unique signature, from espionage and intrigue to acts of treason and secret codes. Every experience taught Elizabeth a different lesson about what it meant to be a ruler of England. I found this book informative and well-written. I learned new elements of each rebellion, which I thought I knew pretty well. For her first book, Helene Harrison does a great job sharing her points and showing how these rebellions shaped Elizabeth I's reign. Suppose you want a book that explains the different power struggles Elizabeth I had to deal with during her reign. In that case, I recommend reading "Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue, and Treason" by Helene Harrison.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Helene Harrison conducts a forensic examination of the five rebellions which occurred during Queen Elizabeth 1's reign, including the Northern Rising, the Throckmorton Rebellion and the Babington Plot. The first one was mainly about disaffection with the nobility, but most of the plots revolved around Mary, Queen of Scots, who most Catholics saw as either the true Queen, or the successor to Elizabeth. Three were especially dangerous, because of the dangers of a Spanish invasion helped by the Catholic French. However, the Babington Plot, which brought about Mary's downfall, was probably designed to entrap her, so that Elizabeth would finally decide to execute her own cousin, and a former Queen. This decision, even if Mary was a traitor, is hugely controversial, even today.

The last rebellion, the Essex Rebellion, was probably caused by selfishness, and delusions of grandeur on the part of the former Queen's favourite, the handsome, young and over-ambitious Earl of Essex.

This was easy to read, and always interesting, especially for Tudor fans.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 .5 rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.

Another solid book published by Pen & Sword that makes for easily understood and digestible history.

I really do recommend these books to anyone getting into history or just wanting to understand a bit more. They are very readable, one doesn’t need to be a scholar.

[Georgi_Lvs_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Elizabeth had to deal with several rebellions during her reign. It was the longest reign of any Tudor monarch and is often considered a ‘Golden Age’ in spite of the religious and political upheaval which occurred during this period.”

Helene Harrison discusses the five rebellions that happened during Elizabeth’s reign.

Helene has done a lot of research here and out a lot of effort into this book.

It has made me discover more about the tudors and therefore I want to read even more books on this topic!

My favourite rebellions to read about was the Badington Plot in 1586.

The perfect read for historical readers.

“Elizabeth understood threats to her throne, and she acted to make sure her throne and her power were safe.”

[spencer wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short read at less than three hundred pages, but it brings in three of the most notable historical figures of the time: Francis Walsingham, responsible for building and controlling a vast royal spy network, Elizabeth I, the queen surrounded by plots on all sides (real and imagined), and Mary, Queen of Scots, a maligned and often tragic figure. I felt that this book could have been double the length it was, as there's a seemingly endless amount of information to learn. Keeping the book under three hundred pages though, means this is a perfect book to read if you want a short and focused overview of the plots and intrigue that occurred under Elizabeth I.

[Abigail Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks to Pen & Sword books for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review.

One thing I love about reading Harrison’s books is that you can tell she’s a passionate historian who puts a lot of time and effort into her writing: this book was no different.

Although I felt I had some knowledge of Elizabeth I, Harrison’s book has shown me how little I actually knew about the various rebellions that plagued Elizabeth I’s reign. I felt a lot of sympathy for Elizabeth as she had to deal with rebellions against her throughout her entire reign (and she was the longest reigning Tudor monarch). The last rebellion against her was in 1601 (just two years before her death), so these rebellions lasted not only her reign, but the majority of her life. It shows her resilience and strength to deal with these constant threats, but also how these issues caused her to question who to trust.

I was aware that certain rebellions against Elizabeth involved Mary Queen of Scots and Catholics, but this book increased my knowledge and made me aware these elements were a lot more prominent than you realise.

For anyone who loves general Tudor history this book would be great for you as not only did it discuss Elizabeth in great detail, but it also gave a lot of information about other people during the period. For example, I never knew that it was a possibility that Mary Boleyn’s children were fathered by Henry VIII during their affair, or that Mary Queen of Scots was arguably kidnapped and raped by Bothwell and her marriage to him was to protect her reputation. These moments really added to the book.

Overall, a great book and, although it’s obviously well researched, it reads more as an overview so it’s informative, but not overly complex which makes the read more enjoyable.

[Amy McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reign of Elizabeth I is remembered as the Golden Age, but she did face multiple attempts to overthrow her and replace her on the throne.

Helene Harrison delves into five rebellions faced by Elizabeth, including those centred around Mary Queen of Scots and the final rebellion of her reign by the Earl of Essex.
This book doesn't just give details of the rebellions but discusses those involved and the impact on participants and those around Elizabeth. Elizabeth was extremely lucky to have the network of Francis Walsingham, who unfortunately had to pay his spies himself. For the service his network provided, you would think Elizabeth would be more than happy to reward and finance this circle, but surprisingly not.

Helene Harrison also discusses how those outside of England were involved in the rebellions.
It is fascinating to read how the schemes and plots were uncovered, particularly those involving Mary Queen of Scots. Helene reviews how these plots affected the relationship between England and Scotland and the reaction of Mary's son, the future James I.

It is interesting how each is reviewed in detail with the question of whether it was a rebellion or a plot.

It is apparent Helene Harrison has done a lot of research on this subject, and her passion for the topic shines through in her writing.
For anyone interested in knowing more about the plots and rebellions of the Elizabethan era, I'd recommend this book.

Lastly, I just want to add some appreciation for this cover, I really like it. The small details of Elizabeth's signature and coded words are wonderful!

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm definitely in my History era of reading 🥰 I really enjoyed learning about Elizabeth I and her reign in the Tudor era. I enjoyed reading about the Rebellions and their plot against her. I honestly didn't know much about the Tudors apart from Henry VIII, so this was another great learning experience for me! I absolutely loved it. There was lots of information in this book but I loved it.

It's brilliantly written and I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The cover is gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing 😍.

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and informative look at the Catholics rebellions against Elizabeth Tudor and the backlash they caused. In an age of terrorism it is important to remember what causes rebellions and try to work toward a greater understand.

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Elizabethan Rebellions: Conspiracy, Intrigue and Treason" by Helene Harrison is a book that I found both insightful and unexpectedly entertaining. Delving into the tumultuous era of Elizabeth I's reign, Harrison masterfully navigates through the complex web of political and religious upheavals that defined Tudor times.

One aspect of the book that particularly stood out to me was the detailed exploration of various rebellions, including those involving Mary Queen of Scots. Harrison’s in-depth analysis of these plots and their impact on the relationship between England and Scotland is fascinating, revealing the intricate dynamics of power, religion, and politics during this period. The exploration of whether these events were rebellions or plots added a layer of intrigue to the narrative, underscoring the ambiguous nature of political dissent in Elizabethan England.

Moreover, Harrison's passion for the subject is evident throughout the book. Her extensive research shines through, making the complexities of Elizabethan politics accessible and engaging. The book’s focus on characters like Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster, adds a human element to the historical narrative, providing a glimpse into the personal lives and motivations of key figures.

This book makes you realise that no matter how bad your family members might be, it could always be worse. Your cousin could be a Tudor. Just saying.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book were the lighter moments that brought a touch of humour to an otherwise serious topic. These moments of levity not only made the book more enjoyable but also highlighted the human side of historical figures, making them more relatable to the reader.

Overall, "Elizabethan Rebellions" is a well-researched and captivating read. It's a book I'd recommend to anyone interested in Tudor history or looking to understand the complexity of Elizabethan era politics. Harrison has done a commendable job of bringing this significant period of history to life with a balance of scholarly insight and engaging storytelling.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.