Series 3 > Mary Queen of Scots and the Babington plot

INTRODUCTION
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resolved to go over again and to consult with Morgan
and Paget.
It is evident that a good deal more happened in London
in February and March than yet meets the eye. We should
give much for an authentic account of the way in which
Ballard was admitted to the conspiracy of Savage and
George Gifford. We should also much like to know,
whether Gilbert was aware of what was going on. There
is no question that he was in touch with Savage, and
keeping him to his impossible ‘ vow.’ Indeed, this was the
time when Phelippes wrote to Walsingham, that Gilbert
could soon find out anything going on among the catholics.1
Yet it will appear later that Gilbert, though so near to
the persons concerned, did not as yet know much about
Ballard’s plans. On the other hand, for reasons which
will presently appear, we know that Walsingham must by
this have heard a good deal about that busy person.
During this same stay in London Ballard told Edward
Windsor and Tilney that there would be an invasion,
and promised with his usual boldness of statement, ‘ places
and entertainment ’ if they would go abroad to join the
invading force.2 We have heard from Tyrrell that Ballard
was by this time acquainted with Babington and the rest,
and that before starting for France his friends and he met
for dinner at the Plough without Temple Bar.
Of this meeting Tyrrell gives the following account:
‘ Fortescue’s last going into France was in Lent last about
the middle thereof. All his friends and acquaintances about
1 Writing of a letter addressed to Scotland, Phelippes says : ‘ My secret
friend shall know what becomes of it.’ 19 March 1586; Boyd, viii. 253.
2 ‘ Ballard half a year past told Edward Windsor and Tilney that
there would be an invasion shortly, and persuaded them to go beyond
the seas, promising to provide places and entertainment for them.’
Tilney’s examination of 21 August. Ballard according to this spoke to
them ‘ half a year ago ’—that would be about 21 March; Boyd, p. 686.