Biography historical mary queen routledge scott

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

In this new biography of one of the most intriguing figures of early modern European history, Retha Warnicke, widely regarded as the leading historian on Tudor queenship, offers a fresh interpretation of the life of Mary Stewart (Stuart), popularly known as Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary became Queen of Scotland at six days old, was crowned Queen of France at seventeen on the death of her husband Francis II, and was the cousin and rival of Elizabeth I, who ultimately had her executed for treason. A devout Catholic, who lived during an era of intense religious discord, Mary’s turbulent life was characterized by treachery, violence and tragedy. Setting Mary’s life within the context of the cultural and intellectual climate of the time and bringing to life the realities of being a female monarch in the sixteenth century, Warnicke also examines Mary’s three marriages, her constant ill health and her role in numerous plots and conspiracies. Placing Mary within the context of early modern gender relations, Warnicke reveals the challenges that faced her and the forces that worked to destroy her. This highly readable and fascinating study will pour fresh light on the much-debated life of a central figure of the sixteenth century, providing a new interpretation of Mary’s impact on politics, gender and nationhood in the Tudor era. Retha M. Warnicke i

Queen of Scotland from 1542 to 1567

For other people called Mary, Queen of Scots, see Mary, Queen of Scots (disambiguation).

Mary, Queen of Scots (8 December 1542 – 8 February 1587), also known as Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland, was Queen of Scotland from 14 December 1542 until her forced abdication in 1567.

The only surviving legitimate child of James V of Scotland, Mary was six days old when her father died and she inherited the throne. During her childhood, Scotland was governed by regents, first by the heir to the throne, James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, and then by her mother, Mary of Guise. In 1548, she was betrothed to Francis, the Dauphin of France, and was sent to be brought up in France, where she would be safe from invading English forces during the Rough Wooing. Mary married Francis in 1558, becoming queen consort of France from his accession in 1559 until his death in December 1560. Widowed, Mary returned to Scotland in August 1561. The tense religious and political climate following the Scottish Reformation that Mary encountered on her return to Scotland was further agitated by prominent Scots such as John Knox, who openly questioned whether her subjects had a duty to obey her. The early years of her personal rule were marked by pragmatism, tolerance, and moderation. She issued a proclamation accepting the religious settlement in Scotland as she had found it upon her return, retained advisers such as James Stewart, Earl of Moray (her illegitimate half-brother), and William Maitland of Lethington, and governed as the Catholic monarch of a Protestant kingdom.

Mary married her half-cousinHenry Stuart, Lord Darnley, in 1565; in 1566 they had a son, James. However, their marriage soured after Darnley orchestrated the murder of Mary's Italian secretary and close friend David Rizzio. In February 1567, Darnley's residence was destroyed by an explosion, and he was found murdered in the nearby gar

Mary Queen of Scots remains a captivating figure in Scottish history. Her life in Edinburgh was marked by both triumph and tragedy.

This article explores the many places in Edinburgh that are associated with Mary Queen of Scots.

In a reign (1542 to 1567) conducted in the harsh light of 16 century Scottish politics, it’s hard not to admire her courage and tenacity.

Yes, there were mistakes and miscalculations but despite them, there remains an enduring appeal. Many are enchanted by her story.

Mary Queen of Scots in Edinburgh

For those historical sleuths with an interest in this remarkable woman, Scotland’s capital city retains some poignant reminders.

There are historic places, people and objects to tell them about the life of Mary Queen of Scots in Edinburgh.

Not everything mentioned here involves Mary directly, some are more connected with her family or acquaintances who knew or served her.

Together they paint a fuller picture of her life in Auld Reekie.

Linlithgow Palace

This remarkable story began in Linlithgow Palace, just a few miles from Edinburgh, where Mary Stuart – Mary, Queen of Scots was born in 1542.

She was baptised, almost next door in the lovely St Michael’s Parish Church. Her father was James V, king of Scotland. Her mother Mary of Guise was the daughter of a French aristocrat and a future Queen regent of Scotland.

Mary of Guise spoke favourably of Linlithgow Palace. She said:

The arrival ofMary, Queen of Scots in Edinburgh from France

Mary Stuart spent her early years at the French court in the company of Francis II, her future (first) husband

A plaque at the Shore, Leith, the port of Edinburgh marks the place where she arrived in Scotland from France on 19 August 1561.

On arrival, she was presented with a book of psalms, a Bible and the keys to the city. She was a Catholic in a m