Elizabeth I - Secret Plots & Assassination Attempts

Discover some of the known, and little known, stories and assassination plots that threatened the life of Queen Elizabeth I. From secret conspiracies and political intrigue to lucky escapes, delve into the shadowy world of Tudor espionage and uncover how the Virgin Queen outmaneuvered her would-be assassins to secure her throne and legacy.
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[@WarDogMadness]

24:28 the voice of kevins boss 😂

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣

[@nightfeather9409]

Im a simple man! I see History Squad, and i interrupt anything else to listen.

[@thehistorysquad]

👍 thanks as always for watching

[@penneycason9269]

I’m of the same mind.

[@calumlittle9828]

Me too, my wife was shouting something about choking but I just tuned her out. Yet Britain won her proudest bays in good Queen Bess's glooorious days! Fun fact, since the discovery of evolution by Wallace and Darwin the papal bull is now known as the papal bullshit.

[@Dumrikk]

Ditto that!

[@donnahays1534]

​@@thehistorysquad Kevin, you are so amazing to watch. You are a cut above the rest. I wish I could know you as a friend and sit around a table or firepit and tell stories and laughs. Feel free to look me up when in Calgary

[@rjprivate]

I was one of the first that subscribed to this fine channel in 1586

[@thehistorysquad]

😂and thank you good sir.

[@pinkushatejar]

Lmao

[@washguy9577]

Wow, Mary was a real thorn in Elizabeth's side. No wonder she was killed.

[@mctrustsnoone3781]

I have attended many history classes in uni… I only ever had one professor that came close to Kevin’s enthusiasm. This channel is a gift to history!

[@taranullius9221]

I've had some good English and a few native Australian ones, they were old even in the 90s/00s so their enthusiasm was limited by Cambridge/Englishness/Tweed (Emeritus Professor literally wore tweed and carried an old doctors bag. RIP Trevor Wilson), had one of Croatian heritage that we secretly called Ustaše. Wrong type of enthusiasm. No models though. No demonstrations. Not as hyped as Kev.

[@ozzyaustin9574]

All of my grandparents died when I was quite young, I am so glad I found this channel it feels like i'm kind of filling the hole with this charming fellow telling stories!

[@thehistorysquad]

Gosh, I’m humbled, thank you.

[@littlemouse7066]

I read a couple of Elizabeth I biographies and I can say her life was a nightmare.

[@kayb9979]

From what I once read (years ago) Elizabeth's archives contained numerous recipes to combat insomnia and depression. That doesn't necessarily mean that she was taking them all of course. As John Aubrey said in later years "Many people fear the physician more than the disease", so goodness knows what toxic concoctions she had forced down her throat.

[@littlemouse7066]

​@@kayb9979 we know the white pigment she used on her face was toxic but I think it was used not only by her. anyway we don't know her state of mind apparentely she was prone to anger and there are historians who think she was probably born siphilitic because of his wonderful father and she couldn't have children but there is no real proof of that but I think there is no doubt the terrible events of her life had consequences on her personality.

[@kingjoe3rd]

It's our old pal Kevin Hicks once again to make the morning brighter. As if an Alabama summer could be any brighter, or hotter. Opening a window is like turning on a space heater down here.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, it’s done nothing here but rain on and off for weeks.

[@jeannadriver9552]

Same here in Houston, TX - and let's not forget the HUMIDITY!! 😓

[@annwilliams6438]

Elizabeth was incredibly patient with Mary for many, many years.

[@overwhelmingapathy721]

Kevin, you just made my morning 🤘

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it! Cheers buddy.

[@nathankinderman3655]

What luck i caught the video 35 seconds after it was posted! Hello Kevin and thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

Nice one, thanks for watching 👍

[@Idontwantahandleiresentthis]

I am thrilled this video exists. I was lucky enough to discover this channel less than a week ago and THIS is the video I hoped to find. I am loving this channel!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that was lucky, I've not really touched on Elizabeth before. Welcome aboard!

[@Idontwantahandleiresentthis]

@@thehistorysquad I've just seen on a video of yours, shooting your bow in Saskatchewan??? I'm from there!! ☺️ Small world!! Saskatoon but still, the luck continues and your channel continues to amaze!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

@@Idontwantahandleiresentthis Yes, if you're ever back this way, look me up at the Saskatoon Museum of Military Artifacts, I volunteer there.

[@ninorbit]

I look forward to these videos every week, thank you. I love your miniatures of the battles!

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Kevin's recreating of battles are marvelous! The details of those small figures are amazing.

[@resnonverba137]

They paid the ultimate price because they plotted to assassinate one of Britain's greatest monarchs. It wasn't sad, it was justice as was served at the time.

[@bustestlucloc4630]

Spot on.

[@charliebrenton4421]

I am always well chuffed to see a fresh new video from Kevin! Cheers to all my fellow History lovers!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Enjoy!

[@jodieg6318]

It must have been really something to be part of Queen Bess's security team, particularly when she went on tour. I remeber reading a few accounts from her grooms of the chamber and how they inspected *everything* from the food tasting to even checking her gloves in case they had been treated with poison because one of Elizabeth's fears was of being poisoned and probably rightly so, as they say just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you and after the security measures both national and personal in the Tudor Era, I don't think it was dissimilar to what happened here in the States during the Iraq War.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Jodie 👍

[@Face2theScr33n]

Interstingly, Saddam was officially hanged for a retaliation against a village that was home to attempted assassins in 1982. I'm not defending him, but nobody seems to know that tidbit. He was trying to sell oil for currencies besides $USD. Even gold. That's another interesting thing IMO.

[@BMO_Creative]

Wow! Fact is always stranger and scarier than fiction!

[@thehistorysquad]

It certainly is.

[@heatherwade2373]

Kevin you bring history to life! Love your videos! My ancestor, Sir William Wade, was an advisor to Lord Burley and hunted Catholic enemies to the crown for Elizabeth I. He also ran the Tower of London for a time and was the person who caught Guy Fawkes red handed, stopping the Gunpowder Plot. There is no other history more fascinating to me than the kings and queens of Europe.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that’s some lineage you have there 👍

[@dganim9196]

Hi Kevin, Walsingham was one powerful character. I agree with you, without him our world today would be very different. Excellent video once again Thank you both.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Daryl 👍

[@jacksmall-ow4rp]

Amazing stuff - always makes my day when Kevin releases a new video!! Thanks as always Kevin 😁👍🏻

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jack!

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for an awesome video. All of these attempts, and still she thrived, talk about destiny. Thanks Kevin, as usual, you tell a great story, be safe and be well. Have a great weekend cheers, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Arthur, have a great Canada Day 🇨🇦

[@Ali-ey9sz]

Kevin, I haven't watched the video yet, but judging by the model, I can tell it's gonna be gold!

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic Kevin another cracking wee slice of history 👌

[@georgekostaras]

Always love stories of intrigue and espionage

[@enloemetzloff9079]

Hey there Mr. Hicks! Always a pleasure, I appreciate all you do here, Cheers Mate!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly

[@j2c695]

Good morning from Pennsylvania Kevin! Me and my dog love watching your videos before work! Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Morning!

[@ventu2295]

Loved the video kevin, keep it up, loved the outtake at the end there hahaha

[@thehistorysquad]

Just keeping it real 😜

[@KaerriRainshadow]

​@@thehistorysquad Thanks for leaving it in - great fun!

[@exsubmariner]

I find it quite amazing that these gentlemen before having their head hacked off could have the composure to make eloquent speeches to the bloodthirsty crowd , a Very British thing indeed.....!

[@smythharris2635]

Going out in style never goes out of style. "Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it." MACBETH, Shakespeare. Act 1 Scene 4. See also the Anglo-Saxon concept of DUSTSCEAWUNG, the contemplation of the dust, an acceptance of one's end.

[@exsubmariner]

@@smythharris2635 it's easy for Shakespeare to write that in the comfort of his own home. But if the boot was on the other foot guess we'll never know

[@smythharris2635]

@@exsubmariner Shakespeare wasn't claiming for himself, he was observing it in others. As a noted academic used to say, Shakespeare, who knew everything, with regard to the human condition.

[@46templar]

Them naughty RC's

[@Sophice]

its always a good day when you post a vid kevin. I love the stories you tell

[@calliecooke1817]

Thanks Kevin, for another exceptional video. Cheers !!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anarchrex2237]

I just found this channel the other day and I’ve been devouring all of the content I can get my hands on since. You’re total a gem of knowledge and storytelling mr. Hicks, keep ‘em coming!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Will do 👍 Welcome aboard!

[@bostonrailfan2427]

from one intriguing set of stories to setting up another series of stories that few cover…you’re never running out of source material, Kevin! seriously, the intelligence network is such a vastly underrated and untapped history that you might be the first person in my lifetime who has made mention of it and not in an insulting or anti-religious way. it sounds purely loyal to the crown, not bogged down in politics

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers for that, it’s certainly worth another delve👍

[@megabowzer100]

Absolutely amazing story teller 😮 definitely worth a patreon for all the hard work you put in.ive learned so much thank you

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you too! I couldn’t make half these models and costumes without my Patreon’s support. 👍

[@T-ChillSilverandSuch]

Another great video, Kevin! Keep up the great work! Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@patcallahan485]

Mr. Kevin, You make history come alive! Can’t stop watching your informative spectacular videos!👌 Orlando, Florida USA🏝️😎

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks!

[@KiNgSaRcAsMoNe]

Kev, I love your content. Best channel of its kind in the universe. No cap. You’re a good man, despite having been on the wrong path during your career 😂 Much respect sir

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 cheers mate

[@thatoneguy12ize]

Kevin is my main reason i know so much about European history he literally exposed an entire world of history that i neglected

[@stormiehaworth]

Yay!!! I just love this channel, Im one of your Greek Cypriot American subscribers! I just looove Queen Elizabeth I.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey, nice to meet you. Have you ever been to Cyprus?

[@exsubmariner]

Queen Elizabeth 1. teeth became blackened due to her excessive consumption of sugar an expensive commodity that only the Nobel could afford . It became fashionable to blacken ones teeth in order to project ones wealth Well that's my excuse anyway😂

[@barrydevonshire9749]

I always think the record by sandy Denny, Fotheringay captures the emotions of the time very well. If you are unaware of this record please listen . Thanks Kevin

[@DallingerM]

Could you imagine what the world would be like if Mary Queen of Scots was never killed and instead took power and united England under a Catholic crown

[@charliebrenton4421]

The implications of such a thing on the 30 years war is intriguing

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The Industrial Revelution would never have happened, along with a lot of scientific development. The dead hand of the Catholic Church would have delayed modern world so much that we wouldn't have electronic computers let alone tablets and mobile phones.

[@travelerlane5542]

The bloodline would have been cleaner

[@manuellubian5709]

​@@travelerlane5542Yes. Very much so.

[@davesheppard8797]

Sorry I'm late in watching this Kev! Been mega busy. Another great video mate. I loved it! I shot a good few videos yesterday as I was back in the range. Gave you, Julie and the History Squad a good shout out in the 4th part. Take care, Dave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dave, we'll have a chat later this coming week 👍🏻

[@davesheppard8797]

@thehistorysquad OK mate! Dave.

[@ThePserafin100]

Kevin always enjoy your HISTORY video's, thank you 😊

[@PaulewingStHelens]

Just brilliant Kevin, brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed this. I wish history was taught like this when I was at school. Superb.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@okancanarslan3730]

it is not surprising many tv movies and series were made about Tudor era. Fascinating times of change

[@NoewerrATall]

Two of my favorite people in one video! 😊 Please do make a more in-depth video on Walsingham and his secret activities. Sounds like you just scratched the surface here!

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed 👍🏻

[@vickywitton1008]

I love listening to you Kevin, you are such a good story teller!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Vicky 👍🏻

[@JordySchaap]

0:02 yes a new History squad video. 0:05 wondering what is going on with the dolls in the background...

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@tomtaylor6163]

Thank you for explaining all this. One of my Grandfathers Sir Thomas Leigh was the Lord Mayor of London and led the coronation procession of Queen Elizabeth. I can say with certainty that he was loyal to the Queen!

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent!

[@wolfie9593]

If I follow the hints on ancestry, I'm related to John Hawkins. I haven't verified it bc I'd rather not be associated with that horrible person

[@thehistorysquad]

He was a bit of a lad for sure, an early slaver.

[@FlyerBowman]

"What a name!" Thanks, Kev! That made my morning

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet! Thanks for your support 👍

[@jimmyjarrett-ws2iz]

This was fantastic Mr Hicks, you never fail to deliver. Elizabeth was a fascinating woman, in an era of equally fascinating people. I watched your video on the Battle of Medway, I live reasonably close (south-east London) and i didn't know anything about it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Great to hear that, thanks for the visit! If you haven't already, check out Hever Castle video, not too far from you either 👍🏻

[@jimmyjarrett-ws2iz]

@@thehistorysquad I've seen it, Really enjoyed it. I live a 2 minutes walk from Eltham Palace.

[@PaulFellows3430]

Two videos in a week! Kevin old son, you're spoiling us!" Great story-telling as always and thanks for doing what you do.

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet! 👍

[@jefflatham3247]

As always thank You for yet another great story !

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for listening Jeff

[@michaelpage4199]

As always your recount makes you feel like we are right there. Brilliant

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!

[@dakota1836]

Entertaining, informative and fun as always. Thanks for another great video.

[@davidcreager1945]

Great video , Kevin !!! Very well researched !! On American PBS there's a documentary on her Secret Service , well worth watching . Have a great day!

[@joannshupe9333]

Thanks for another great video - your posables are especially well done (love the red). I've always thought that the "drawn" part of hung-drawn-quartered was the butchering part where the prisoner was split open and his innards were removed. My dictionary says "to cause to flow forth: to draw blood"; also "to eviscerate, disembowel".

[@peterlaidler3895]

Brilliant presentation Kevin. Always enjoy them

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Peter 👍

[@Lost_AtSea_]

Thanks for doing an episode on the Queen I. My favorite Queen Elizabeth story is, when the famous lady pirate Grace O’ Malley of Ireland, sailed up the Thames and had an audience with her face to face to negotiate her keeping her lands. This is especially interesting because Elizabeth absolutely despised pirates, but she was secretly envious of Grace! Grace had plundered a number of Elizabeth’s ships in Irish waters, and gave the Royal Navy a run! The two ladies were both the same age.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yea a great story 👍

[@ruthd7274]

what happened?

[@Lost_AtSea_]

@@ruthd7274 just look up Grace O’Malley. She was a famous 16th century Irish Chieftain. First woman to be crowned chieftain, a notoriously feared and respected lady. A sea captain of a rather large fleet of ships for her trading business, a land owner, a mother and so much more. She’s one of the most interesting person in my opinion. Not much is said about her because she was kind of a savage rebel who was pretty much erased from history.

[@ruthd7274]

​@@Lost_AtSea_ Interesting! I shall. 🙂

[@bainpoultry1075]

Great story telling as always. ‘Mark Corrigan’ of the Peep show sounds like he must be from the same part of the country as the great story teller.

[@owencrater7089]

Great job. Thanks for leaving the flub up at the end!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 It was pretty harmless 👍🏻

[@manuellubian5709]

I'm rewatching this video again for a second time I still find it equally as intriguing entertaining and educational. That being said I do hope that in future you decide to make a video talking about the thought process and networking which was the Hallmark of Walsingham and Lord burley's investigative work.

[@thehistorysquad]

I’m thinking about it 👍

[@smythharris2635]

My girl is Spanish, I must give Walsingham a call.😅

[@DonnyChords]

Many thanks from Zimbabwe. I luv your videos. Your country's long history is quite interesting.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!

[@rochmel1409]

Hi Kevin. Great video as usual. My understanding is that the 'drawn' in 'hanged, drawn and quartered' refers to the drawing or pulling out of the entrails which were then burned in front of the eyes of the victim.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes it is, but the body was often also drawn on a hurdle or gate to the place of execution

[@stephenhaywood5672]

Brilliant as ever mate👍. Hope your well

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Stephen, I'm doing okay thanks 👍🏻

[@Dragon-Lady]

Most of the histories I've read cast doubt on whether Mary was actually involved in these conspiracies. The more indepth details here certainly seem to indicate she wasn't as innocent as is claimed, if at all. Very interesting insight indeed. Thanks, Kevin!

[@jonathanjackgoodman2764]

I'm having a very frustrating day, this is a welcome reprieve. Cheers Kev.

[@penneycason9269]

5ft 4inch. Tiny. Granted I’m Australian and grew up with the sun. Her height surprised me. I imagined her being 10ft tall. My fantastic imagination. Thankyou Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Imagination is a wonderful thing

[@rnedlo9909]

Thank you for yet another wonderful video. You can see why the USA Founding Fathers wanted to get religion out of meddling with the government.

[@GingerCnut]

Thank you Kevin.

[@jaybobdoodles]

Excellent work! Such a fun video.

[@cindys.9688]

You do an impressive amount of research, sir, and put together one heck of a story! Thank you for that. Such an important part of history, really. Thankfully we've come a long way since the days of execution by being hung, drawn, and quartered!😬 Being an American, I'm fascinated by the thought of such an incredible and dramatic amount of English history happening before our Declaration of Independence was even signed in 1776. We were barely an organized country when there in England you had castles, queens, battles by 'knights in shining armor', and all that. Truly exciting! Thank you for another great trip down history lane!⚔️👑

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching and your comment there 👍

[@garyphisher7375]

Last time I was this early, the Glow bal ists hadn't stolen tens of millions of workers from Africa.

[@supernoodles91]

Eh?!?

[@milliewilkie1969]

one of the best channels on KZbin

[@willemsma]

Ah, torture,......... the 'best' way to obtain reliable information..........

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed 😜

[@ianenniss4405]

I just love your videos Kevin great job 👍🏼

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@anavergeplayer57]

great job as always

[@MelEveritt]

Another great video. Hugs to you and your family. From your Australian cheer squad 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Yay! Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@jchoward6451]

I can almost hear somebody, in the aftermath of the Summerville Plot, exclaiming "Arden's Gardner!" like a Middle Ages version of "Great Caesar's Ghost!" upon discovering some nefarious plot - or that the neighbor's dog has killed the chickens. Thanks Kevin for this post, truly a "who's gonna do it next, and will they succeed?" almost to the point of "Gee, is anybody NOT involved?" kind of mystery story.

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed, this pretty much just scratched the surface I think 👍🏻

[@davidburgess741]

English history is more complicated and full of intrigue than I ever imagined.

[@keithwalmsley1830]

Perfect! It's Friday night, glass of wine in hand and a new video from "thehistorysquad", thanks so much!!! 😄✌

[@thehistorysquad]

Sounds great, have a good one!

[@egallagher41]

Why is Kevin not on National TV? He is a brilliant historian and narrator.

[@roydonovan9063]

I always try to comment on Kevin's videos. I remember him like most people, back in the heady days of Robin Hood.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers, it’s always appreciated 👍

[@supermanhun]

The history channel shouldve hired this man to make his own show

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 I'd be talking about aliens instead

[@davidburgess741]

The History Channel is a reality TV channel now. No more history .

[@gazzertrn]

Great one Kevin . love the models you make , shows your enthusiasm for your subject . The one with the axe looks like Hitlers long lost ancestor.

[@thehistorysquad]

You noticed 😜

[@simonbinz2719]

Great Content and great channel Thank you for your efforts. I very enjoy the Videos and you really learn something. Always very interessting and fun to watch (Sorry for the bad english 😅) Greetings from Baden-Baden

[@thehistorysquad]

Danke! 👍

[@margomaloney6016]

Thanks, Kevin - I enjoy your history lessons! It must have been terrible to witness a person being hung, drawn & quartered - never mind a scene of 7 men suffering the same fate! 😵‍💫

[@thehistorysquad]

Indeed!

[@DeeegerD]

When you said "he was abroad" I thought, yeah we have a lot of that these days 😅

[@Ian-mj4pt]

Makes my day when you upload something and as usual so educational. Thanks Kevin and Co ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure!

[@_Uh_Oh_]

I like the end mistake being left in :D

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

I understand why there were such displays because they are to show publicly what the punishment would be and make people think at least twice. I can't say it was righteous because of my limited knowledge of Elizabeth.

[@PeterDay81]

Just excellent again cheers sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Peter.

[@staytuned2L337]

This is going to make the rest of my shift breeze by

[@colinp2238]

Another top notch video, Kevin. Thanks mate. I would enjoy seeing you dressed in RMP number 2s from your army days in another video of your service anecdotes.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, if only I had a set lying around 👍

[@asdpl]

Your the best

[@3rdsmite766]

Thanks for the frequent uploads! I enjoy every single video, also you're a legend for responding to so many reactions. thanks a million hehe 😁

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that, cheers 👍

[@deb-1558]

Glenda jackson portrayed the best Elizabeth I. Episode 4 from Elizabeth R series is a fantastic episode showing the plot of Mary Queen Scotts

[@Aramis419]

My roommates: “Aramis! We’re going out for beer and pizza! You coming?” “I need exactly 25 minutes and 18 seconds, then I’ll head out.” And yes, they call me Aramis. One year, in my single-digit-years-old, we were all going to out for Halloween as Musketeers. They didn’t tell me they switched to the Philadelphia Phillies instead. The name stuck.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂