Charles Baillie (papal agent)

Charles Baillie was a Scottish Catholic priest and agent of Mary, Queen of Scots, and later a papal agent working to restore Catholicism in England and Scotland during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He played a significant, though often secretive, role in various plots and schemes, most notably the Ridolfi Plot.

Baillie was born in Scotland. He served as an envoy for Mary, Queen of Scots while she was imprisoned in England. Through these activities, he became embroiled in the Ridolfi Plot (c. 1571), a conspiracy aimed at assassinating Queen Elizabeth, placing Mary on the English throne, and restoring Catholicism. Baillie was arrested and imprisoned, enduring torture and interrogation. The letters and documents found in his possession provided crucial evidence against the Duke of Norfolk, who was eventually executed for his involvement in the plot.

Following his release, Baillie continued to work on behalf of Catholic interests, becoming a papal agent. He travelled extensively in Europe, seeking support for Catholic restoration in the British Isles. He maintained contact with various Catholic exiles and plotted with individuals who shared his goals. His activities were constantly monitored by English intelligence agents, and he remained a person of interest to the English government until his death. Information about the exact date and circumstances of his death are scarce. His legacy is primarily tied to his role in the Ridolfi Plot and his subsequent efforts to promote the Catholic cause during a period of intense religious conflict.