Thomas Morgan (died 1595)

Thomas Morgan (died 1595) was a Welshman who served as a double agent during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. He was initially a servant to Mary, Queen of Scots, and later became a key figure in the Babington Plot, a conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth and replace her with Mary.

Born in Monmouthshire, Wales, Morgan was a Catholic and staunch supporter of Mary's claim to the English throne. He entered Mary's service and acted as her representative and liaison in France. He communicated with various Catholic figures and powers on her behalf, seeking support for her cause.

However, Morgan was also secretly working for Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I's Principal Secretary and spymaster. Walsingham's agents had intercepted Mary's correspondence and discovered Morgan's involvement. They offered him the opportunity to become a double agent, feeding information to Walsingham while continuing to appear loyal to Mary.

Morgan agreed and played a crucial role in the unfolding of the Babington Plot. He facilitated the exchange of coded letters between Mary and Anthony Babington, a Catholic nobleman who planned to assassinate Elizabeth. Morgan ensured that Walsingham had access to these letters, allowing him to gather evidence and ultimately expose the plot.

The Babington Plot's exposure led to the arrest and execution of Babington and his co-conspirators, as well as Mary, Queen of Scots. Morgan's role in the plot was complex and controversial. While he betrayed Mary, he also provided crucial information that protected Elizabeth and the Protestant establishment in England. He received a pardon for his role, effectively being rewarded for his service to the English crown.

After Mary's execution in 1587, Morgan continued to serve the English government in intelligence matters. He died in 1595, leaving behind a legacy as a complex and controversial figure in Elizabethan espionage. His actions significantly impacted the political and religious landscape of the period, contributing to the consolidation of Elizabeth's rule and the suppression of Catholic threats to her throne.