Mary, Queen of Scots Flashcards
Mary’s Claim to the Throne
Mary’s presence in England was a problem. She was next in line to the throne, favoured by Catholics, while Elizabeth was refusing to marry or name an heir.
The Danger of Supporting Mary
Supporting Mary would mean attacking a friendly Protestant government in Scotland. Mary was her cousin, but it was too big a risk.
The Danger of Not Supporting Mary
Not supporting Mary would be endorsing her overthrow and implying that it was acceptable to depose an anointed, lawful monarch.
Mary’s Flight to England
When Catholic Mary Queen of Scots returned in 1561, Scotland was being ruled by a Protestant government. Mary married Lord Darnley and gave birth to an heir, James, in 1566. Darnley was murdered in 1567. Mary and her lover, the Earl of Bothwell, were implicated. Mary was forced to abdicate in favour of James, then imprisoned. The Earl of Moray became regent. Mary escaped in 1568, raised an army but was defeated. She fled to England.
Rebellion Against Elizabeth I
The Northern Rebellion of 1569 aimed to marry Mary, Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk. Her children with Norfolk would be Elizabeth’s heirs. The aims of the plot developed into deposing Elizabeth I. Catholic Earls from northern England led thousands of ordinary Catholics in rebellion, seizing Durham. The Northern Rebellion was put down by Elizabeth I’s troops. Hundreds were executed, showing Elizabeth’s alarm. Neither Mary nor Norfolk were punished.
Plots Against Elizabeth I
The Ridolfi Plot in 1572 was a plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and put Mary on the throne.
The Throckmorton Plot in 1583 was a plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and the Duke of Guise invading England.
The Babington Plot in 1586 was also a plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and the Duke of Guise invading England. Mary was found to be implicated in this plot.
Reasons Not to Execute Mary
Elizabeth I was reluctant to execute Mary following the Babington Plot. This was because:
> She didn’t want to condone the murder of a monarch.
Mary was her cousin.
Mary’s execution would anger the Catholic community.
It could give Spain an excuse to invade England.
Reasons to Execute Mary
But there were compelling reasons to execute Mary:
> England was already at war with Spain and Spain was planning their Armada.
Mary had been found guilty of treason.
Mary was executed in February 1587.
