The Problem of Mary, Queen of Scots Flashcards
Describe Mary, Queen of Scots’ Claim to the English Throne
-Mary, Queen of Scots was a Catholic with a strong claim to the English throne.
-She was Henry VIII’s granddaughter, Elizabeth I’s second cousin and there were no issues about her legitimacy.
-Her mother, Mary of Guise came from a very powerful Catholic, French noble family.
Describe the Treaty of Edinburgh
-The Treaty of Edinburgh ended a rebellion from Scottish Protestants against the growing Catholic influence. Elizabeth had secretly sent money and troops to help the rebels.
-The treaty said that Mary, Queen of Scots would agree to give up her claim to the English throne.
-However, Mary herself never approved the treaty, and maintained that she had a claim to the English throne. She wanted to be named as Elizabeth’s heir.
-Elizabeth had no intention of naming an heir however, and choosing Mary would divide England as she would not be popular with Protestants. This would weaken Elizabeth’s position.
Explain why Mary, Queen of Scots Fled to England
-A scandal over Mary’s latest marriage led to the Protestant Scottish lords rebelling again. They forced Mary to abdicate in favour of her son, James.
-She was imprisoned in a castle on an island but escaped in 1568 and raised an army in an attempt to win back her throne.
-Mary’s forces were defeated at Langside, and she fled to England, seeking Elizabeth’s help against the rebels.
Explain why Mary, Queen of Scots’ Arrival in England Posed a Threat to Elizabeth
-Mary’s arrival in England in May 1568 was a problem to which there was no good solution. Elizabeth kept her under guard.
-Elizabeth did not approve of subjects overthrowing their monarchs, but she was very aware of the potential threat Mary posed to her throne.
-Moreover, if found guilty of murdering her old husband, Mary would be returned to the rebel Scottish lords and Elizabeth would have been supporting the deposing of an anointed monarch.
-However, if found innocent, Mary would be free to raise an army, possibly with foreign catholic support which would also pose a threat.
Describe the 1569 Plot Mary Became Involved in Against Elizabeth
-Elizabeth would not only refuse to name an heir but also refused to discuss marriage.
-In 1569, a plot was hatched at court that seemed not only to deal with the problem of Mary, but also the succession.
-The plan was to marry Mary to the Duke of Norfolk, England’s most senior noble. He was a Protestant so any children would be too. They would also have a strong claim to the English throne.
-Mary liked the plot. Even some of Elizabeth’s favourites were involved. However, Elizabeth was eventually told of the plan.
-It confirmed how dangerous Mary was, even in captivity. She was moved south to Coventry. Nevertheless, Elizabeth still refused to take any strong action against Mary.
