Why don some historians accept the traditional version of the Gunpowder plot?
Hi, In recent years, some historians have indeed contested the traditional version of the Gunpowder plot. Traditionally it was assumed that Robert Catesby devised the whole thing, with the intention of killing James and as many members of Parliament as possible. However, some historians have now suggested that the conspiracy was really the brain child of Robert Cecil and Lord Monteagle and that Cecil blackmailed Catesby into organising the plot. Historians have suggested that Cecil did this with the intention of turning the English people against the Catholics. For example, people were so angry in the aftermath of the Gunpowder plot that they agreed to Cecil’s plans to pass a series of laws persecuting Catholics. Hope this helps.
