Mary, Queen of Scots

• Why was MQS considered a legitimate heir?

  • Was Catholic
  • Was Elizabeth's cousin through their grandmother, Margaret Tudor
  • Was supported by English Catholics
• What were the consequences of MQS's death?

  • Caused more tensions with Spain

  • France remained allied with England as they feared Spain

  • English Catholics remained loyal to Elizabeth

  • King James of Scotland took no action as he was heir to the English throne
• Why did MQS flee to England?

  • Her marriage to the Earl of Bothwell was unpopular with Scottish nobles
  • Scottish nobles rebelled against Mary, imprisoned her and forced her to abdicate in favour of James (her 1 yr old son)
  • 1568 - She escaped prison and raised an army that got defeated in battle
  • Fled south to England after her defeat
• What happened to MQS's husbands?

  • 1st husband - Was the heir to the French throne but died in 1560
  • 2nd husband - Married Lord Darnley in 1565 but the marriage was unhappy and then he was murdered in 1567
  • It was believed that Mary and the Earl of Bothwell were behind Darnley's murder
  • 3rd husband - Married the Earl of Bothwell a few months after Darnley's murder but the marriage was unpopular
• What was MQS's role in Scotland?

  • Became Queen of Scotland in 1542 at 6 days old
  • Her mother acted as regent Queen while Mary was raised in France
  • Mary returned to Scotland in 1560 at 15 years old when her husband died
• How did Elizabeth treat MQS in England?

  • Elizabeth imprisoned Mary and set up an inquiry into Darnley's murder however a guilty verdict would support Catholic Scottish nobles and a not guilty verdict would result in her release
  • Mary continued to be held in captivity as the inquiry did not reach any verdict
  • Elizabeth hoped imprisonment would stop her from becoming the centre of Catholic plots
• When was MQS executed?

  1587