ABSTRACT
John Ballard (?-1586) a R. Catholic priest educated at Rheims, was sent to England in 1581. In 1584 he went to Rome and conceived the idea of assassinating Elizabeth I. In 1585 he returned to England and persuaded Anthony Babington (1561-86) a secret R. Catholic to organise his plot. Babington had become personally devoted to Mary Q. of Scots while serving as a page to her custodian, the E. of Shrewsbury, and had met her supporters in Paris. Ballard's part was to secure the support of the leading English R. Catholics, most of whom he visited. In May 1586 he went to Paris and obtained the interest of Mendoza, the Spanish ambassador and an introduction to Mary. She told him to negotiate, through Mendoza, for the assistance of the Spanish King and the Pope. During these travels he got to know Gilbert Gifford, a R. Catholic but also a secret agent of Walsingham. The latter also intercepted Babington's letters to Mary. Ballard was suddenly arrested on 4 Aug. 1586. Under torture he incriminated Babington. After trial they were executed on 20 Sept. The event precipitated Mary's trial.
