Mary Queen of Scots background

What religion was Mary Queen of Scots?

Catholic

How did Mary have a claim to the throne?

She was Elizabeth’s cousin so related by blood (with a dynastic claim) and she had a son so would ensure the succession of her name through future rulers of England and protect the security and stability of England

Why did many people support Mary?

She was Catholic, and there were many nobles, gentry and members of the public who believed that the country should return to being Catholic, as it was under the reign of Mary I

What weakened Elizabeth’s position as queen?

She had no son and was not married so would not ensure that the country was stable through a line of succession, and some Catholics believed that she was illegitimate as the Pope had not agreed to a divorce between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, so any subsequent children that the king had had were out of wedlock

Who was Mary married to?

Her first marriage was to the king of France (so Mary lived there for several years), but when he died, she returned to Scotland and married again - however, this marriage ended in the implication of Mary killing him, so she had to flee to England

What happened after Mary entered England?

She was viewed as a threat to Elizabeth’s power since she had a claim to the throne, so Elizabeth decided to keep Mary under house arrest for the entirety of her stay in England

Why did Elizabeth decide to keep Mary under house arrest?

If Elizabeth had sent Mary to Scotland or France, she might have gathered support and challenge Elizabeth’s rule, resulting in war

When was Mary executed?

8th February 1587