1.4 - The Problem of Mary, Queen of Scots Flashcards
Why was Mary, Queen of Scots important?
- Mary was Catholic, which meant that many Catholics, including members of nobility, would be prepared to support her claim to the throne.
- Mary’s claim was strengthened by the fact there were no concerns about her legitimacy. However, Elizabeth’s legitimacy was questioned by the Catholics as her mother Anne Boleyn’s marriage to Henry VIII was seen by many Catholics as invalid.
- Therefore, Mary would always be at the centre of Catholic plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth.
Why did Mary leave Scotland?
- Mary had firstly married Lord Darnley (after the death of her French husband, the king), producing an heir, James. Darnley was subsequently murdered (possibly with Mary’s involvement) and this time Mary married the Earl of Bothwell.
- Many Scots assumed Mary had murdered Darnley and in 1568 rebelled against her.
- Mary fled to England seeked her cousin Elizabeth’s help against the Scottish rebels.
Why was Mary’s arrival in England a problem?
Mary remaining in England could encourage a rebellion as many members of Catholic nobility believed that they could overthrow Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne.
However, to take action against Mary, as an anointed monarch, would also reduce Elizabeth’s own status, power and authority.
What options did Elizabeth have with MQS in 1568-69?
- Help Mary to regain her throne
- Hand Mary over to the Scottish lords
- Allow Mary to go abroad
- Keep Mary in England
What were the possible problems with helping Mary to regain her throne?
Would anger the Scottish nobility and leave Elizabeth facing a Catholic monarch on her northern border. The Auld Alliance with France could then be revived to threaten her.
What were the possible problems with handing Mary over to the Scottish lords?
Mary was the widow of the French king and her execution by Scottish noblemen with Elizabeth’s permission could provoke France, driving them into an alliance with Spain, which could lead both countries into war with England.
What were the problems with allowing Mary to go abroad?
Mary may return to France. This could provoke a French plot that aimed to remove Elizabeth from the English throne and replace her with Mary.
What were the possible problems of keeping Mary in England?
Keeping Mary in England was probably the best option for Elizabeth. However, this also carried the risk that Catholic plotters might try to overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mary.
Describe the Casket Letters Affair.
- A meeting was set up at York to hear the case against Mary between 1568-69.
- Scottish lords brought love letters, supposedly written by Mary to the Earl of Bothwell, that showed she had plotted to murder Lord Darnley.
- Mary said she could not be tried because she was an anointed monarch, and would not offer a plea unless Elizabeth guaranteed a verdict of innocence.
- Conference did not reach any conclusion. Mary, therefore, remained captive in England.
What did Elizabeth ensure by not handing over Mary?
- Scottish nobility would not imprison or execute Mary.
- The French would be satisfied.
- Her subjects did not punish an anointed monarch.
