The Trial Of Nicholas Throckmorton

Sir Nicholas Throckmorton was a paragon of courage, loyalty and integrity during the turbulent and perilous days of the English Reformation. A diplomat, soldier, and politician, he served as ambassador to France and then Scotland, and played a crucial role in managing the interactions between Elizabeth I of England, Mary Queen of Scots, and the French monarchy, calling upon not only his own refined skills but also on liaisons, informants and spies who would save hundreds of lives and prevent conflicts. Throckmorton skillfully balanced his allegiance to the Crown with the potential risk of treason, diligently supplying Queen Elizabeth with intelligence to help her safeguard her kingdom and prevent the outbreak of war. Yet Throckmorton frequently drew disapproval from others and he even found himself imprisoned,. When Mary Tudor, a Roman Catholic, seized the throne from the Protestant Jane Grey and subsequently declared her intention to wed Philip of Spain, also a Catholic, discontent spread throughout the kingdom. This culminated in the Wyatt rebellion. Hundreds were ruthlessly put to death. Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, too, faced charges of treason and conspiracy against the crown. At trial, his vigorous and adept self-defense resulted in a complete acquittal, a rare outcome. Throckmorton kept conscience ahead of comfort, even when potentially facing the scaffold. His character shines clearly in the trial transcript, letters and other documentary evidence he left behind.