Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots is perhaps the best known figure in Scotland’s royal history. Her life provided tragedy and romance, and was more dramatic than any legend.

She was named the Queen of Scotland when she was only six days old, became the Queen of France aged sixteen, was widowed at eighteen, and missed only by a whisker, being the Queen of England too! 

After defying pressure to remarry following the death of the King of France, she returned to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. However, Scotland and England were already under the rule of her cousin, the fascinating but fearsome Elizabeth I.

The charismatic Mary Stuart threatened Elizabeth's sovereignty, and as the last Roman Catholic ruler of Scotland, she was largely supported in this legitimate claim to the throne by many English Catholics and Lords, which would lead to a turbulent relationship between the two women. 

After an uprising against Mary and her new husband, the Earl of Bothwell, in 1567, Mary fled south seeking the protection of Elizabeth - but as a threat to her throne, Elizabeth had her imprisoned, confined to various castles and manor houses in England for nearly nineteen years.

Plot after plot was formed to release Mary of Scotland and to slay Elizabeth, until one such plot was discovered to involve Mary herself. In 1586 she was found guilty of plotting to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I, and was beheaded on 8th February the following year at Fotheringhay Castle.

With a historical character as fascinating as Mary, Queen of Scots, it's not surprising that there were several radio broadcasts depicting the different times in her life, and her execution. You can listen to these on RUSC today by clicking here.

Happy listening my friends,