Gunpowder Plot
Oswald Tesimond played a small role in the Gunpowder plot; while not directly involved, he knew of the plot from the confessional, and the motives of the conspirators. It is a near-certainty that the actual plot was divulged to Tesimond by Robert Catesby, someone who was deeply involved. Tesimond, after gaining the knowledge, proceeded to inform his Jesuit superior, Henry Garnet. He did this during confession, probably on or around 23 July 1605.
With the knowledge he possessed, Tesimond and Garnet decided to give religious consolations to the conspirators. They both did this despite the nature of the plot, which involved treason; obviously, their choice of keeping their knowledge secret constituted a violation of the law. He gave these consolations on 6 November 1605 at Huddington, after they had returned from London. It was perhaps a result of this kindness to the conspirators on Tesimond's part that saw Thomas Wintour, at his later execution, clear all Jesuits (Tesimond specifically and most especially), from any involvement, and from any prior knowledge.
Read more about this topic: Oswald Tesimond
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