The Rye House Plot and Government Reaction Flashcards

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What was the Rye House Plot of 1683?

It was a plan by some opponents of Charles II to kill the king and his brother James as they rode back to London.

Who were the targets of the Rye House Plot, and why?

The targets were King Charles II and James, Duke of York. The plotters wanted to stop the Catholic James from becoming king.

Why was Rye House chosen for the planned attack?

Rye House was a strong farmhouse beside the Newmarket to London road, so the plotters thought it was a good place to ambush the royal coach.

Why did the Rye House Plot fail before it began?

A fire in Newmarket made Charles II return to London earlier than planned. He missed the ambush, and news of the plot soon reached the government.

Which political group were most linked to the Rye House Plot?

Many plotters were Whigs who had earlier tried to stop James becoming king. This made the plot closely linked to extreme Whig ideas.

How did the government react when it heard about the Rye House Plot?

The government ordered arrests across the country. It used informers to get evidence and put suspected plotters on trial for treason.

What happened to Lord William Russell and Algernon Sidney after the plot was uncovered?

They were leading Whigs accused of joining the plot. Both were found guilty of treason in unfair trials and were executed in 1683.

What happened to other leading opponents, such as the Earl of Essex and the Duke of Monmouth?

The Earl of Essex was arrested and later found dead in the Tower of London. James, Duke of Monmouth, fled abroad to avoid arrest.

How did Charles II use the Rye House Plot to weaken the Whig party?

He claimed the plot showed that Whigs were dangerous traitors. He removed many Whigs from jobs in towns and in Parliament and gave these posts to loyal Tories.

How did government reaction to the Rye House Plot affect the power of the king?

After 1683 Charles II tightened control over local councils and boroughs and relied on loyal Tories. This made his rule in his last years, 1683 to 1685, seem more like an absolute monarchy.