| Francis Tresham: 37 years old. He
was another wealthy Catholic from an old Catholic family.He had recently
inherited extensive estates in Northamptonshire. His father Sir Thomas
Tresham had a long history of trouble with the law in regard to religious
issues. Francis continued with illegal Catholic activities and as a result
felt the sting of enforcement of the law and was suffered the penalties
of fines which impoverished his family. He was arrested and put into the
Fleet prison for abuse of the authority of a warrant in June 1591 and was
released on Dec. 4, 1591. Tresham's wife was Anne Tufton. He was known
for an extravagant lifeway. He was Lord Mounteagle's brother-in-law and
also had taken part in the Essex Rebellion (1601) however he bribed his
way to freedom (21 June, 1601). Tresham was also part of the Spanish Treason
(1602). It was probably due to Tresham's reputation as one who would spend
money recklessly that his cousin Robert Catesby involved him in the plot.
However, Tresham, whose father died intestate and in debt, was no longer
able to supply the funds which were sought by the conspirators. He joined
the plot on Oct. 14,1605. Not only was Tresham not able to fund the plot
but he was also very concerned for the salvation of his two brothers in
law Lord Monteagle, and Lord Stourton and was therefore suspect following
the news of the Mounteagle letter. He was able to clear his name after
a meeting with Catesby and Thomas Wintour on November 1 at White Webs.
Tresham may have had a role in the betrayal of the plot as he had received
favors from the government. He was arrested on Nov. 12 and promptly wrote
a full confession. On Nov. 29 1605 he also confessed concerning his role
in the Spanish Treason implicated Henry Garnet. Later, he was probably
poisoned to silence him in the Tower. It is speculated by Francis Edwards,
SJ that Tresham was allowed to leave the tower to escape to Spain where
he became known as Matthew Brunninge.
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