The Queen's Agent: Francis Walsingham at the Court of Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I came to the throne at a time of insecurity and unrest. Rivals threatened her reign; England was a Protestant island, isolated in a sea of Catholic countries. Spain plotted an invasion, but Elizabeth's Secretary, Sir Francis Walsingham, was prepared to do whatever it took to protect his queen and country. He ran a network of agents across England and Europe who provided him with information about invasions or assassination plots. He encouraged Elizabeth to make war against the Catholic Irish rebels and oversaw the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.