Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (
1536-
1572) and 1st Earl of
Southampton, grandson of the
3rd Duke of Norfolk, was entrusted by Queen
Elizabeth I of England with public office despite his family history and his support for the Catholic cause. She imprisoned him in
1569 for scheming to marry
Mary, Queen of Scots. Following his release, he participated in the
Ridolfi plot with King
Philip II of Spain to put Mary on the English throne and restore
Catholicism in England and was executed for treason.