Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabethan England: Sheffield Manor Lodge

Vocabulary and key details regarding the imprisonment, plots, and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, with a focus on the historic environment of Sheffield Manor Lodge.

Mary, Queen of Scots

The Catholic heir to the English throne supported by France and Spain, seen as the legitimate ruler by Catholics who considered Anne Boleyn’s marriage to Henry VIII invalid.

Papal Bull

A decree issued by the Pope after which Catholics viewed Mary, Queen of Scots as the rightful ruler of England instead of Elizabeth I.

Northern Rebellion, 1569

An uprising led by two Northern nobles and 4,600 men inspired by Norfolk’s desire to marry Mary; it was eventually squashed by Sussex.

Ridolfi Plot, 1571

An Italian-led conspiracy to invade England from the Netherlands, replace Elizabeth with Mary, and marry Mary to Norfolk.

Throckmorton Plot, 1583

A plan to assassinate Elizabeth, replace her with Mary, and launch a French invasion; its discovery led to Mary being placed under closer guard.

Babington Plot, 1586

A plot to murder Elizabeth involving coded letters sent to Mary in beer barrels; Mary's written support for the assassination led to her execution.

George Talbot (6th Earl of Shrewsbury)

A wealthy moderate Protestant and Marshall of England who served as Mary's jailor at Sheffield Manor Lodge, paying for extra guards out of his own pocket.

Bess of Hardwick

The Countess of Shrewsbury and close confidante of Elizabeth who was tasked with keeping Mary entertained and watched at Sheffield Manor Lodge.

Turret House

A structure added to Sheffield Manor Lodge in 1574 as a defensive measure following Mary's arrival.

Thistles

The personal emblem of Mary, Queen of Scots, found in the ceiling decorations of the Turret House.

Cloth of State

A canopy under which Mary sat while eating from silver plates at Sheffield Manor Lodge to maintain the status of a reigning monarch.

Marshall of England

The high-ranking title held by George Talbot, making him responsible for justice in the country; he gave the signal to Mary's executioner in 1587.

£3000

The annual cost to feed Mary’s court at Sheffield Manor Lodge, which was largely funded by Talbot himself.

Sheffield Manor Lodge Guards

A security force consisting of 70 total employees, including 30 extra armed guards paid for by Talbot, to ensure Mary was watched 24 hours a day.

French Decorations

Symbolic representations at Sheffield Manor Lodge, such as marigolds and grapes, which highlighted Mary’s connection to France.