The Exeter Conspiracy
Chapter 9 : Why were the Poles and Exeter Targeted?
Scholars have differed over whether there was a real threat to Henry VIII or not. The much-respected G R Elton certainly believed that the Poles and Exeter had intent to plot, even if they hadn't actually got anything off the ground.
Reginald Pole believed, or purported to believe, that his family were murdered by the King for their adherence to the Catholic faith.
The Pole and Courtenay family estates were largely concentrated in the Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire – any invasion was likely to land along that coast and the risk of succour being given to the enemy was too great to take.
