Queen, government, and religion 1558-69: Mary, Queen of Scots Flashcards
Mary Queen of Scots (QoS)’s claim to the throne
Mary QoS Henry VII’s great-granddaughter and Elizabeth’s second cousin. descended from Margaret Tudor, Henry VIII’s sister, catholic with legitimate claim to English throne. Mary married to French King Francis II, and inherited Scottish crown when only 6 days old. While Mary in France, mother Mary of Guise ruled Scotland
Mary QoS’ importance
- Catholic so catholics, including catholic nobility would be prepared to support claim to throne
- claim strengthened by clear legitimacy. Elizabeth’s legitimacy questioned by catholics, as mother Anne Boleyn’s marraige to Henry VIII seen by catholics as invalid.
- Mary was always at centre of catholic plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth. Involved both English and foreign plotters
Events of Mary leaving Scotland
On death of Francis II 1560 Mary returns to Scotland, married Henry Stuart (Lord Darnley) producing an heir, James. Darnley subsequently murdered (Mary’s invlovement possible) and Mary married Earl of Bothwell. Many scots assumed Mary murdered Darnely, 1568 protestant Scottish Lords rebel, imprison her and forced her to abdicate in favour of James. Mary escapes, raises army but defeated Langside near Glasgow. Mary flees to England asking Elizabeth for help againt Scottish rebels
Details of Mary Imprisoned in England
1568
Mary held in comfort but under guard while Elizabeth figured out what to do. Scottish rebels demanded Mary handedd back to be tried for murder of Darnley.
Problem for Elizabeth since Mary in England could cause rebellion but action against Mary would reduce Elizabeth’s status, power and authority
Possible options for Elizabeth to choose with what to do with Mary QoS
- Help Mary retake throne
- Hand Mary over to Scottish Lords
- Allow Mary to go abroard
- Keep Mary in England
Problems of Helping Mary QoS retake the throne
Would anger scottish nobility and leave Elizabetrh with a catholic monarch on northern border. The Auld Alliance with France could be revived to threaten her
Problems of handing Mary QoS to Scottish Lords
Mary widow of French king Francis II. Trial, imprisonment and execution by scottish noblemen with Elizabeth’s permission could provoke France to ally with Spain, could lead to both declaring war on Elizabeth
Problems of allowing Mary QoS to go abroad
could see her return to France. could provoke French plot to remove Elizabeth from English throne replacing her with Mary
Problem of keeping Mary QoS in England
probably best option for Elizabeth.
carried risk of catholic plotters trying to overthrow Elizabeth and replacing her with Mary.
Events of The Casket Letters Affair
- meeting set up in York to hear case against Mary October 1568-January 1569
- Scottish Lords brought love letters supposedly written by Mary to earl of Bothwell showing she plotted to murder Darnley
- Mary said she couldn’t be tried as an annointed monarch and wouldn’t offer a plea unless Elizabeth guarnteed a verdict of innocence
- Conference reached no conclusion Mary reamined captive in England
Consequence of The Casket Letters Affair
By not handing Mary over Elizabeth ensured:
* Scottish nobility wouldn’t imprison or execute Mary
* French satisfied
* subjects didn’t punish annointed monarch
Mary remaining in England incited catholic plots against Elizabeth to replace her with Mary
Reasons against Mary becoming Elizabeth’s heir
would upset English protestants, including those on privy council. Without support of Privy Councilers, Elizabeth distrusted by many catholics, would have few supporters left. prospect of a catholic heir would result in a civil war on Elizabeth’s death.
