1.2.2
Mary Queen of Scots
The Problem and Overthrowing of Mary Queen of Scots
The Problem and Overthrowing of Mary Queen of Scots
Mary was Elizabeth’s cousin and a Catholic. Henry VIII’s sister was her grandmother. In 1542 she had become Queen of Scotland, aged only 6 days.
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots
- Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth's main political rival was engaged (or promised in marriage) to the French King, King Francis II, who was also known as the 'Dauphin of France'.
- In 1558, Mary Queen of Scots married King Francis II.
- This increased the risk that Mary and France would invade England, with Mary Queen of Scots hoping to become the Queen of England too.
- Mary's husband, King Francis II of France died in 1560. After Francis' death, Mary came back to Scotland, which had become more protestant.
The line for the English throne
The line for the English throne
- Elizabeth did not have any children. This made Mary the next in line to the English throne.
- Because Mary Queen of Scots was Catholic, she was a magnet for Catholic rebels who wanted to restore (bring back) Catholicism to England.
The 'murder' of Lord Darnley
The 'murder' of Lord Darnley
- Mary Queen of Scots married her cousin, Lord Darnley, in 1565.
- Lord Darnley stabbed one of Mary's friends (and rumoured lover), David Riccio (or Rizzio), in front of her whilst she was pregnant.
- Supposedly as revenge, in 1567, Mary Queen of Scots was accused of murdering her husband and cousin, Lord Darnley.
- Mary was reportedly aided by the Earl of Bothwell, another lover, who she married weeks later.
Mary's abdication
Mary's abdication
- After the murder, Mary was overthrown as the Queen of Scotland. Her son, who was 1 year old became King James VI of Scotland. The regent for the 1-year-old King James was Mary's half brother, James Stuart, the Earl of Moray.
The Challenge Posed by Mary
The Challenge Posed by Mary
After she came to England, Mary was seen as a threat to the stability of the crown and a threat to Elizabeth.
Mary was a Catholic
Mary was a Catholic
- Elizabeth was Protestant.
- Because Mary was Catholic and part of the royal family, Mary was a figurehead for English people who wanted England to return to Catholicism.
Mary in England
Mary in England
- Elizabeth was hesitant to act too harshly. Lots of the members of the Privy Council wanted Mary to be executed.
- Instead, she was held captive for 19 years, whilst an inquiry into the murder of Darnley was done.
- There were 8 letters called the Casket Letters, which were letters written between Mary and the Earl of Bothwell. The letters suggested that they were both guilty, but nobody knows today whether the Casket Letters were forged or if they were genuine.
Plots against Elizabeth
Plots against Elizabeth
- The Northern Rebellion and other plots had their roots in Elizabeth’s treatment of Mary, who was a Catholic member of the royal family.
- The 1586 Babington Plot appeared to involve Mary directly.
1Queen, Government & Religion
1.1Elizabeth I & her Court
2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad
2.1The Religious Settlement
3Elizabethan Society 1558-88
3.1Education & Leisure
3.2The Poor & Living Standards
Jump to other topics
1Queen, Government & Religion
1.1Elizabeth I & her Court
2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad
2.1The Religious Settlement
3Elizabethan Society 1558-88
3.1Education & Leisure
3.2The Poor & Living Standards
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