(Part Three: Troubles At Home And Abroad) Mary Queen Of Scots Flashcards
Who was Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots was major figure in Elizabeth’s reign for several reasons:
• Elizabeth’s cousin. Her grandmother was Henry Vill’s sister.
• A Catholic.
• Became Queen of Scotland in 1542, at only eight-days-old.
• Married the heir to the French throne in 1558 and was briefly queen of two countries.
• As Elizabeth had no children, Mary was also heir to the throne of England, some believed she was in fact the rightful queen.
• After her husband’s death, she returned to Scotland but became increasingly unpopular. Scotland had become increasingly Protestant in her absence.
• In 1567, having been accused of the murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley, Mary fled to England. Her young son, James, was crowned
King of Scotland in her place.
What was the threat posed by Mary
- Mary’s arrival in England concerned many Protestants.
- They were worried that she might directly lead, or simply inspire, a rebellion against Elizabeth.
- The idea that she could ever become queen reminded them of the horrors of Mary I’s reign.
- Parliament and a number of privy councillors called for Mary’s execution, but Elizabeth was hesitant. She did not want to kill a fellow queen.
- Mary was kept under close guard and moved around England for the next 19 years.
- Although she was not directly involved in plots against Elizabeth, she was certainly an inspiration for several. One final plot in 1586 did seem to involve Mary directly.
Explain the trial of Mary Queen of Scots
• In October 1586, Mary was put on trial before a court of 36 noblemen including Sir Francis Walsingham and Sir William Cecil, two of Elizabeth’s closest advisors.
• Mary defended herself strongly. She criticised the fact that she had not been allowed to see evidence against her and claimed that as she was not English, she could not be guilty of treason. She refused to accept that the court had any right to pass sentence on her.
• She was found guilty and sentenced to death on 25 October.
Explain the execution of Mary Queen of Scots
• Elizabeth was reluctant to sign Mary’s death warrant. She feared
that executing a fellow monarch might inspire her enemies, or that Mary’s son James might want revenge.
• She was also concerned about the reaction of the Catholic powers:
France and Spain.
• Despite this, she signed the death warrant on 1 February 1587.
• Mary was executed, in private, seven days later at Fotheringhay Castle.
The Earls of Shrewsbury and Kent were the official witnesses.
Explain the impact of the execution of Mary Queen of Scots
• Without Mary, Catholics had no clear alternative monarch.
The new heir to the English throne was Mary’s son James - a Protestant.
• Even in death, Mary remained an important figure. Many saw her as a martyr to her faith and her execution as proof that Elizabeth was a wicked heretic.
• Elizabeth’s concern about the reaction abroad was unwarranted - there was outrage but no action from France or Spain. King James of Scotland accepted Elizabeth’s apology for the death of his mother.
Explain Mary’s role in the Babington Plot
- The plotter
In 1586, a rich young Catholic named Anthony Babington planned to kill Elizabeth, rescue Mary and place her on the throne. - The plot
Babington needed to know if Mary supported his plan. He managed to get Mary’s servants to hide coded messages within beer barrels that were sent to her room. The messages reached Mary and she replied, giving her backing to the plot. - The plot uncovered
Unfortunately for Mary, the servants were spies for Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster. The original message and Mary’s reply were decoded and taken straight to Elizabeth. It was clear that Mary was plotting to kill the queen. - The aftermath
With such clear evidence, Elizabeth had little choice but to act. Although still hesitant, she ordered that Mary should go on trial for treason.
When was Mary Queen of Scots’ trial
October 1586
When was Mary Queen of Scots’ execution
8 February 1587
