Part 3 - Problems at home and abroad -Mary Queen of Scots Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
Who was MQS?
A
- elizabeths cousin - a catholic
- was heir to the throne of England - some believe she was the rightful queen
- fled to england after being accused of murdering her husband lord darnley in 1567
2
Q
What threat did MQS pose to elizabeth?
A
- protestants saw possible catholic queen - possible return to horrors of mary I’s reign - 300 protestants burned alive
- worried she might directly lead or fuel rebellions against elizabeth
- parliament and number of priviy councillors called for her execution - elizabeth hesitant
- mary kept under close guard - moved around england for 19 years
- final babington plot involved mary directly
3
Q
When was babington plot?
A
1586
4
Q
What was the babington plot?
A
- rich young catholic - anthony babington - planned to kill elizabeth, resuce mary - place her on throne
- he got marys servants to hide coded messages in beer barrels that were sent to her room - mary replied giving her backing to the plot
- servants were spies for francis walsingham - original message and marys reply decoded - taken straight to elizabeth - it was clear mary plotted to kill queen
- ordered that mary go on trial for treason
5
Q
The trial?
A
- october 1586 - mary put on trial before court of 36 noblemen
- she defended herself strongly - criticised fact she had not been allowed to see evidence against her - claimed as she was not english - couldnt be guilty of treason - refused to accept court had right to pass sentence on her
- found guilty and sentenced to death on 25 october
6
Q
The execution?
A
- elizabeth reluctant to sign marys death warrant - feared it might inspire enemies or that marys son James might want revenge
- concerned about reaction of catholic powers
- signed death warrant on 1st feb 1587
- mary executed in prive 7 days later at fotheringhay castle
7
Q
The impact?
A
- heir to throne now marys son James - a protestant
- many saw mary as a martyr to her faith - her execution proved elizabeth was a wicked heretic
- ultimately lead to spanish armada and increased religious tensions
