| Henry Percy, Ninth Earl of Northumberland:
An important Catholic at the court of Elizabeth, the Earl became an enemy
of Cecil and was closely linked to the conspirator Thomas Percy. Northumberland
had appointed Thomas Percy to the position of Gentleman Pensioner without
administering the oath given to all Catholics. When Thomas Percy was observed
to have fled after the plot, Northumberland sent word to him in Scotland
demanding rents which Thomas had collected. This was viewed as a tip off.
Additionally, immediately prior to November 5, Northumberland met with
Thomas Percy. It is speculated that Northumberland was to have become Regent
on behalf of the conspirators to take charge of the heirs to the throne
who survived the plot. Northumberland had also been involved in prior failed
plots against the government. (see: Nicholls, Mar, Investigating Gunpowder
Plot, Manchester University Press,1991.)
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