Catholicism in England

was heavily repressed under Queen Elizabeth I, particularly after the pope excommunicated her in 1570. During her reign,

• dozens of priests were put to death, and
• Catholics could not even legally celebrate Mass or
• be married according to their own rites.

As a result, many Catholics had high hopes when King James I took the throne upon Elizabeth’s death in 1603.

James’ wife, Anne, is believed to have previously converted to Catholicism, and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was Elizabeth’s Catholic archrival prior to being executed. There were even rumors, inspired by his diplomatic overtures to the pope, that James himself would become Catholic.