Sheffield Manor Lodge

Question 1

Why was MQS in England?

Answer 1

There were rumours that she had killed her husband, Lord Darnley, in order to marry the Earl of Bothwell. She had to abdicate the Scottish throne as a result and she fled to England.

Question 2

What were Elizabeth’s options for MQS?

Answer 2

1. Help Mary return to France where she had been Queen until the age of 18
2. Help Mary regain the throne of Scotland
3. Execute Mary
4. Keep Mary captive in England

Question 3

What were the problems with each option?

Answer 3

1. France - May allow Mary to raise a foreign army, retake the Scottish throne and threaten Elizabeth and England
2. Scotland - didn’t want to pay for such an uncertain undertaking and could provide Mary with an army. Could upset the relationship between Scotland and England.
3. Execution - Elizabeth did not want to execute a fellow queen, especially not her cousin
4. Captive - Mary would become the focal point of Catholic discontent who could lead to plots and further danger for Elizabeth

Question 4

What actually happened to MQS?

Answer 4

She was imprisoned in England. She was detained in Carlisle Castle in May 1568, then was moved to Bolton Castle. She was then put in the care of George Talbot, who moved her to his castle in Tutbury than Sheffield in November 1570.

Question 5

Why was George Talbot chosen to be MQS’ jailor?

Answer 5

He was a dedicated Protestant who was loyal to Elizabeth. He was very wealthy (much of his wealth would be spent looking after Mary). Shrewsbury’s estates were in a good location. His wife, Bess of Hardwick, was trusted by Elizabeth.

Question 6

Where did MQS’ jail have to be located?

Answer 6

Well away from Scotland, the coast, London and somewhere remote

Question 7

Why did the jail have to be away from Scotland?

Answer 7

It had to be away from potential supporters who may seek to free Mary and either attempt to reclaim the Scottish throne or make a bid for the English throne.

Question 8

Why did the jail have to be seaway form the coast?

Answer 8

There was fear of both Spanish and French military support of plots to make Mary queen. Such intervention would come form the coast.

Question 9

Why did the jail have to be away from London?

Answer 9

There were some in the Privy Council and in Parliament who supported Mary Queen of Scots claim to the English throne. Keeping Mary away from them would impair potential plots.

Question 10

Why did the jail have to be in a remote location?

Answer 10

Keeping her in a remote location would mean very few people in England would see MQS so May forget about her.

Question 11

What were the features of the long gallery?

Answer 11

The Long gallery had oak panelled walls hung with tapestries and paintings as well as fine furnishings and Shrewsbury’s collection of armour. This decoration was for for a royal.

Question 12

What were the features of the Turret House?

Answer 12

The turret house was a combined gatehouse and hunting tower. It is likely that the main use of the Turret House was to guard the gate and provide lodgings for the sentries. This meant that security was tight on the entrance meaning it would be difficult for any rebels to access Mary.

Question 13

What was the layout of SML like?

Answer 13

The main building was built around a central courtyard with gardens and entered through an imposing gatehouse. This was surrounded by an outer courtyard and accompanying curtain wall and gate tower. This made the main building difficult to get to.

Question 14

What was important about the location of the great hall?

Answer 14

It was close to the kitchen so that food could easily be brought to the banquets that were held there. This would keep Mary happy.

Question 15

What was important about the fact that SML was a hunting lodge?

Answer 15

As a hunting lodge it’s primary function was to act as a base for hunting from horseback, a favoured pastime of the royalty and nobility. This would keep Mary happy.

Question 16

What was important about the site SML was built on?

Answer 16

It was built on high ground which offered panoramic views of the surrounding cities. That gave Mary good views and made it harder to access.

Question 17

How big was Sheffield Manor Lodge?

Answer 17

It was very large, but there was scope for redevelopment to expand the footprint of the building to accommodate new apartments fit for a Queen and for a large household. Guest lodgings were also available for Mary’s large court. This made SML an ideal place to house Mary.

Question 18

What we some safety features of SML?

Answer 18

There were large numbers of armed men who watched her day and night and under bath her windows. Mary had large amounts of guards on the floor above her room and internally, with armed guards at every side of her room. Mary had a high level of security because she was valuable to anyone plotting against Elizabeth. After a massacre of French Protestants by French Catholics, Shrewsbury was concerned so added extra guards so that 70 armed men were guarding Mary.

Question 19

What were some key features of the living environment at SML?

Answer 19

MQS ate in a formal manner. She ate from silver plates and chose her preference of meals every day. Her bedchambers were adorned by Turkish carpets which covered the floor of her two rooms. She had fine linen sheets , gold leafed chandeliers and her chairs were covered in crimson red cloth. Mary sat under a Cloth of State during her time at SML. This was a rich textile arranged as a canopy and backdrop behind a throne.

Question 20

What were some key features of leisure time at SML?

Answer 20

MQS spent much time with Bess of Hardwick, George Talbot’s wife, often gossiping. Mary enjoyed sewing and was skilled at embroidery. Mary sent her detailed sewing as a gift to Elizabeth. Mary spent her time reading and often studied Catholic works. She was also kept entertained by her pet birds and her lapdogs. MQS and the Shrewsbury’s spent much time together,with their social time being described as courteous and friendly.

Question 21

Why were spies a problem for George Talbot?

Answer 21

Sir Francis Walsingham controlled a network of spies which provided updates on Mary’s enemies. Walsingham placed spies in Shrewsbury’s home, questioned servants at times of national danger and received a written report every week about Nary’s health, behaviour and security. Walsingham’s spies often criticised his relaxed care of Nary, e.g. often let her go out riding and see numerous visitors, the reports fuelled rumours that there was an affair between Shrewsbury and Mary.

Question 22

Why were expenses a problem for George Talbot?

Answer 22

Mary had a court of at least 50 guests who were treated with the formality of a royal court. Mary dined in a royal manner and ate as many as 16 dishes while others in her court ate around 10. Providing fir this cost around £3000 a year and at first he was allowed £2700 a year, which was reduced to £1560, them nothing. E.g. on a shopping trip to Rouen in 1575, they spent £300 on wine. He asked Mary to contribute but she would not. It was costing him thousands of pounds a year.

Question 23

Why was his relationship with the government a problem for George Talbot?

Answer 23

He was made a Privy Councillor in 1571 but only attended court once during the 15 years of looking after Mary. When he was relieved of his duty in 1584 he appeared at the Privy Council and was forced to make a humiliating statements to clear himself of disloyalty die to rumours of his closeness with Mary. Such a long absence was usually seen as a threat to the government. Initially, his wife defended him in court but he was unable to defend himself against the accusations made against him, and was never fully trusted by Elizabeth’s council.

Question 24

How was his relationship with Bess of Hardwick a problem for George Talbot?

Answer 24

Rumours circulated through the Privy Council that an affair was taking place between the Earl of Shrewsbury and MQS. As a result of the presence of Mary in their home, her financial costs and political tension, relations between the Earl and countess slowly deteriorated. In 1584, Bess separated from her husband and retired to Chatsworth House. She worked against him due to the rumours of his affair and was responsible for his humiliation at court pry in 1584.

Question 25

How should you structure the SML paragraphs?

Answer 25

Paragraphs follow the IDEA structure and must be in two parts. Firstly, you need to be general about the factor at the time (e.g. if question asks about design, how were Elizabethan country houses designed in general). Then you need to talk about SML specifically and say if it was typical of the time period (for the design question you would talk about the design of SML).

Question 26

SML paragraph plan - location

Answer 26

I- Location was an important reason why SML was chosen to house MQS
D- MQS fled to England. Tutbury Castle -> Coventry Castle (due to Northern Earl’s Rebellion). Location important consideration due to plots/security
E - moved to SML. Location good because away from Scotland (Catholic support) , the coast (escape/French or Spain help + Ridolfi Plot), London (support in Parliament e.g. French ambassador she wrote to and Duke of Norfolk involved in plots) and was remote ( not discussed widely as hidden away).
A - therefore location important as hidden away

Question 27

How many paragraphs should you do for the SML question?

Answer 27

3 paragraphs (including factor in the question) + conclusion (which was the most important - LINK factors)

Question 28

SML paragraph plan - design

Answer 28

I - design was also an important reason why SML was chosen to house MQS
D - MQS queen of Scotland at 9 months, raised in French court until 6 in lavish surroundings. Queen of France in 1559. When she arrived in England, she had been queen of 2 countries and deserved conditions suitable for highest royalty.
E - Talbot rebuilt SML in 1570 to make it bigger and grander. Middle of large deer park. Turret house used for banquets - marigolds and grapes of France and a thistle of Scotland. Great gallery, tower room, bedroom, porters lodge, stables etc. long gallery was oak panelled hung with tapestries and fine furnishings, had Talbot’s collection of armour. Cloth of State, Turkish carpets, gold leafed chandeliers, chairs upholstered in crimson and gold cloth
A - design and decor intended to house MQS in surroundings fit for a queen

Question 29

SML paragraph plan - security features

Answer 29

I - SML could have been chosen to house MQS due to its security features
D - plots putting Elizabeth at risk e.g. Northern Rebellion 1569 - North still Catholic, Westmorland and Northumberland marched south with army of 4600 to try and place MQS on the throne. W fled, N executed but showed danger + tight security needed
E - SML in remote location so few would see her. Had a turret house which was used to guard the gate and keep out enemies. Built on high ground, so more challenging to access, large numbers of armed men watched Mary day and night and under both her windows. 70 guards total.
A - therefore tight security was an important reason why SML was chosen as it was crucial that she did not escape

Question 30

SML paragraph plan - Talbot’s status and wealth

Answer 30

I - Talbot’s status and wealth may have been a factor in choosing SML for MQS
D - MQS royal - needed to be treated like it. Carlisle-> Bolton -> Tutbury-> SML. In Carlisle, cost of keeping MQS was £56 a week, £13,340.84 today.
E - Talbot was Privy councillor, hereditary Earl and Earl Marshal. Amassed large amounts of wealth + was trusted. Had many suitable properties across midlands
A - Therefore SML chosen

Question 31

SML paragraph plan - comfort

Answer 31

I - comfort was important in why Elizabethan country houses were built / why George Talbot was chosen as MQS’ jailor
D - country houses renaissance in style with oak panelling to keep heat in and colourful tapestries. Had great chamber where owner could entertain guest. Greater privacy for owners so servants quarters in separate section of house. Heat of fires place + light from large glass windows. Hardwick Hall also had long gallery for exercise, decorative stonework and a loggia.
E - SML built on high ground - panoramic views + in 3000 strong deer park, could hunt on horseback, favoured pastime of nobility. Long gallery with oak panelled walls, tapestries and paintings. Fine furnishings and collection of armour.
A - therefore comfort was an important factor in why Elizabethan houses were built / why Talbot was chosen

Question 32

SML paragraph plan - status and wealth as a reason for building country houses

Answer 32

I - status and wealth was an important reason why Elizabethan country houses were built
D - in medieval times, Lord’s hall had been centre of village, but now it was a private residence for a cultured noble. Elizabethan houses had many windows (glass was expensive). Many rooms as this signifies family’s importance. Fashionable to be inspired by ancient civilisations, often had elaborate geometric plasterwork in great chamber, decorative stonework, loggias with Roman inspired columns and chimney columns.
E - SML built on high ground, good views and others could see the house, projecting image if wealth. Tree lined avenue leading to house. Large number of rooms, clearly separated accommodation of servants and owners. However, nit typical in that didn’t have many windows- maybe a security feature.
A - therefore, SML is typical in many ways and status and wealth important

Question 33

SML paragraph plan - Talbot’s downfall - expenses

Answer 33

I - one important reason for George Talbot’s downfall was the expense of keeping MQS
D - MQS Queen of 2 countries, royalty, deserved to be treated as such. Talbot spent vast amounts of money rebuilding SML including a new Turret House and outer courtyard and inner courtyard + many buildings (great gallery, tower room, bedroom, stables, kitchens, bake house, brew house etc.).
E - mention design (e.g. oak panelling, cloth of state). Court of at least 50 people - ate 16 dishes. Over £3000 a year to feed them. At first, given £2700, then £1560, then nothing. MQS was worth £12000 a year
A - by the time she was executed, Talbot has spent most of his fortune on Mary’s upkeep

Question 34

SML paragraph plan - Talbot’s downfall - spies

Answer 34

I - spies were an important reason behind Talbot’s downfall
D - sir Francis Walsingham = spymaster. He uncovered plots, including Throckmorton plot (ended due to a spy in the French embassy) - also stopped Babington plot (used double agents and a cryptanalyst)
E - spies were stationed at SML and they would question servants at times of national danger. Walsingham received a written report every week of Mary’s health behaviour and security. He often criticised Talbot’s relaxed custody of Mary, as he often let her go out riding and have many visitors. The reports fuelled rumours of an affair between Talbot and MQS.
A - the need for spies to be placed at SML damaged Talbot’s reputation

Question 35

SML paragraph plan - Talbot’s downfall - absence from privy council

Answer 35

I - Talbot’s absence from the privy council was one important reason for his downfall
D - the Privy Council were a part of Elizabeth’s court, who were key in making decisions about how the country was run and often steered Parliament and advised Elizabeth. The council travelled with Elizabeth’s court, so not attending undermined a member’s status and contributions
E - after becoming MQS’ jailor, Talbot only attended one meeting in 14 years. He was not able to answer personally to the criticism of his management of Mary and could not quash the rumours of an affair.
A - when he finally reappeared at the council after the Babington plot had been discovered, he had to give a grovelling apology for his mismanagement of Mary, which ruined his reputation.

Question 36

SML paragraph plan - Talbot’s downfall - balancing act

Answer 36

I - one reason for this was the balancing act between keeping Mary safe and retaining a good relationship with her
D - she had to be treated as a member of the highest royalty, but also had to be kept secure due to the threat she posed as the focal point for rebellions and plots (e.g. Northern Earl’s)
E - he kept her with armed guards 24 hours a day. He was reprimanded when he allowed her freedoms, such as her annual trip to the spa at Buxton and going out riding. Plots such as the Throckmorton plot and the Ridolfi plot put even more of a strain on their relationship. St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre also caused tension (massacre of Protestants in France). Mary was confined even more and was offended by nit being allowed into the wider estate for exercise

Question 37

SML paragraph plan - Talbot’s downfall - failure to fulfil his duty as Earl Marshal of England

Answer 37

I - his failure to fulfil the role of Earl Marshal was important in his downfall
D - Mary put on trial for treason following Babington plot. Appeared in front of court of 36 noblemne. Although she protested well, she was sentenced to death.
E - As well as his role in looking after Mary, Talbot was also responsible for administering justice and so he was expected to attend her trial. However, he write to Burghley saying he was to ill to attend. Burghley replied by saying that the Queen required his attendance. Despite this, all he did was send a letter saying he thought she was guilty. This spread rumours of an affair and Talbot fell out of favour with the queen and was not trusted at court.