The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

Question 1

Under the Act for the Preservation of the Queen’s Safety (1585), what would have to take place before Mary, Queen of Scots would be executed?

Answer 1

A group of 24 privy councillors would have to find her guilty of involvement in a plot

Question 2

Why could Mary not be executed immediately after being found guilty of treason?

Answer 2

Elizabeth had to sign her death warrant

Question 3

For how long did Elizabeth avoid signing Mary, Queen of Scots’ death warrant?

Answer 3

Two months

Question 4

In what month and year did Elizabeth sign Mary, Queen of Scots’ death warrant?

Answer 4

February 1587

Question 5

What did the Privy Council do when Elizabeth refused to send Mary, Queen of Scots’ death warrant?

Answer 5

They sent it without telling her and arranged the execution

Question 6

What did Elizabeth do to the person who sent Mary, Queen of Scots’ death warrant without her approval?

Answer 6

She imprisoned him for 18 months

Question 7

Give four consequences of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

Answer 7

It set the precedent that Elizabeth could be executed, making her more vulnerable

It angered Spain and gave Philip II another reason to attack England

It left Elizabeth without an heir, increasing the chances of a civil war when she died

It removed an important threat to Elizabeth