Mary Queen of Scots Flashcards
Mary’s reign as Queen of France
Became Q of France in 1559
Constantly pushing her claim to the English throne by wearing the Royal Coat of Arms
In 1560, her mother died, leaving the (Protestant) Earl of Moray as regent
In 1560, Francis II died and MQS had to return to Scotland
What agreement did Mary disregard when she returned to Scotland?
Treaty of Edinburgh (meaning she would not renounce her claim to the throne)
How did Mary consolidate support in Scotland upon her return?
Agreed to religious toleration
What were the implications of her marriage to Darnley?
Both had Tudor blood, which was a big threat to Elizabeth’s claim to the throne
(Liz had tried to convince her to marry Leicester)
19th June 1566 - James IV born
How did her marriage to Darnley discredit her?
1566- Rizzio (man who Mary spent lots of time with due to Darnley’s terrible attitude) was murdered
1567 - Darnley murdered, probably by the Earl of Bothwell. Mary did the politically astute thing to do in this situation and married Bothwell
24th July 1567 - Mary was forced to abdicate as Queen of Scotland for her implication in Darnley’s murder (‘Casket letters’). The Protestant Earl of Moray became regent
What happened when Mary arrived in England?
She was placed in confinement in Carlisle.
The York Conference was held in 1570 as an enquiry into Darnley’s murder. The ‘Casket letters’ were presented as evidence, meaning Liz could justify keeping Mary in captivity
How was Mary involved in the Ridolfi plot?
Entered into a plot with the Duke of Norfolk - plotted to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne.
Plot revealed and Norfolk executed.
How did Parliament respond to the threat of Mary in 1572?
Bill of Exclusion - to exclude MQS from the succession (aiming to avoid more plots)
Bill of Attainder - if MQS was found guilty of plot involvement, then she could be attainted
How did the threat of MQS subside in the mid 1570s?
No external help from France or Spain
No threat from Mary’s supporters in Scotland as the King’s Lords were victorious in the power struggle
Housed in the northern midlands (e.g. Hardwick Hall, Bolton Castle, Sheffield Castle). Away from London or coastlines so threat minimised
Even allowed to take the waters at Buxton and her niece Arbella was allowed to visit
How did Mary become a bigger threat in the 1580s?
1580 - Papal Pronouncement encouraged assassination of Elizabeth (1584 - W of O assassinated)
1584 - Bond of Association - PC agree to assassinate MQS if needed
1585 - Act for the Queen’s Safety stated that Mary could be tried or executed for plotting
1585 - Parry Plot and Guise/Throckmorton Plot - ICC
Why was Mary executed?
Implicated in Babington Plot
Executed February 1587 at Fotheringhay
