The Life & Times of Mary Queen of Scots

Like many royals, Mary Queen of Scots lived a tumultuous life. Plenty rested on her shoulders. Unfortunately, not all went to plan.  

Who was Mary Queen of Scots?

Mary Queen of Scots is one of the most recognised royals in Scotland’s history. She ascended the throne on the 14th of November 1542 at only six days old, after her father’s unexpected passing. 

Because she was so young, she could not preside over the country. Instead, the throne was ruled by regents while Mary was sent to France.  

She lived and studied there for several years, going on to marry the Dauphin of France. She was queen consort of France for a year, before being widowed. Upon her husband's death in 1560, she returned to Scotland aged 18 to live at Holyrood Palace.  

 

Mary Queen of Scots and Edinburgh Castle

When Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, a royal procession celebrating the event was held at Edinburgh Castle. Over the following years, the castle was the heart of numerous royal occasions involving Mary.  

She held many grand activities there, such as large feasts and entertainment.  

Mary Queen of Scots was the first monarch to be crowned using both the crown and sceptre of the Honours of Scotland, which are now kept at Edinburgh Castle.  

She also gave birth to her son King James VI there in 1566, a son who would soon take the throne.  

 

Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley

When Mary returned to Scotland, she was in an unsteady position.  

She had been raised Catholic while in France. Scotland, however, was at this point largely Protestant. Mary managed to evade any disasters by practising her own beliefs in private.  

Yet, she made a mistake when she fell in love with and married her half-cousin, Lord Darnley, in a Catholic ceremony at Holyrood Palace.

Darnley was known to be a greedy and jealous man. This temperament eventually led to his involvement in (or possibly orchestration of) the murder Mary’s secretary, David Rizzio.  

Darnley was subsequently assassinated himself in 1567. 

Only a few months later, Mary married James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell: the suspected, but acquitted, killer of her second husband.  

There was a strong objection to the relationship from the shocked Scottish public, who labelled Mary an adulterer and potential aid to Darnley’s murder. This led to her being imprisoned in Lochleven Castle and forced to abdicate.  

As a result, her one-year-old son ascended the throne.  

 

Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I of England

Mary eventually escaped and tried, but failed, to regain her position as queen.  

She fled to England where she sought safety from her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. The pair had never met but had exchanged letters over the years.  

Tragically for Mary, her cousin was threatened by her. Especially because she had once claimed Elizabeth’s throne as her own and was considered as England’s legitimate sovereign by many Catholics. 

To protect her throne, Elizabeth confined Mary in several castles and manors over the span of 19 years. It is said that she ensured her Scottish cousin was always provided with a certain standard of luxury.  

This was until 1586, when Mary was implicated in a supposed plot to assassinate Elizabeth. 

Mary Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringhay Castle at age 44. It is rumoured her last words were thanking the axeman for putting an end to all her troubles.  

 

Overall, the tale of Mary Queen of Scots is an intriguing one. Some say that while Mary lost in life, she won in death after Elizabeth died without leaving an heir. This meant Mary’s son, King James VI & I, was the first to rule over a united Britain.  

To learn more about Mary's history, join us for a special Treasures of the Old Town tour on 3 August. As part of our 40th birthday celebration programme, EH residents can book a free tour ticket.