Analyzing Catesby's Gunpowder Plot

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There are many mysteries about the Gunpowder Plot that have never been satisfactorily explained. It is not clear why an intelligent man like Catesby thought that such a scheme would work or why he imagined that if it did work, a small group of Catholics could seize the reins of government. Nor is it clear why the King and Lord Salisbury immediately interpreted Monteagle‘s letter to mean that a gunpowder plot was intended. Also it is odd that although the letter was received on October 26, the search of the cellars was not carried out until November 4. Nevertheless, the detailed confessions that have survived, including that of Guy Fawkes, make it difficult to believe, as has been argued, that the whole story was invented by Lord Salisbury to strengthen his position in the government of James I. In not knowing the full story and all the confussion it would be hard to decide if it was up to me who to give it to. …show more content…

Catesby brought in other conspirators, including another cousin, Francis Tresham. Altogether, 13 Catholics were directly engaged in the plot. A difficulty was that the explosion might kill friendly Catholic members of the House of Lords. Tresham was particularly anxious to warn his brother-in-law, Lord Monteagle I dont know but i think i wouldnt give it to anyone and im glad that now days we have a differant way of dealing with things and enventions buissneses