How did MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS DIE | Famous royal executions | How did Mary Stuart die. History Calling

If you’ve ever wondered how did MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS DIE, then this is the video for you. In this latest offering from History Calling we go back to Fotheringhay Castle in February 1587 to look at one of the most famous royal executions in history, the death of Mary Queen of Scots.
The death of Mary Stuart came about after she was found guilty of involvement in the Babington Plot to overthrow and assassinate Elizabeth Tudor and take her throne. Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots had always had a difficult relationship and Mary had been a prisoner Queen in England for 19 years by 1587, yet Elizabeth hesitated to sign the death warrant, not wanting to set the precedent of executing an anointed monarch and her own cousin. Finally however, she did and it was taken to Fotheringhay, seemingly without her knowledge, where the execution of Mary Queen of Scots was swiftly carried out.
What happened to Mary Queen of Scots after she ascended the scaffold was gruesome and if you’ve ever wondered ‘how did Mary Stuart die’, the answer is, not well. After making her execution speech, saying her prayers and being made ready by her ladies and the executioners (all of which this video will look at), she was blindfolded and laid her head on the block. It then took three blows of the axe to finish the job and the first did not kill her, instead hitting the base of her head. When it was finally over, her effects were cleaned or burned and she was left in a coffin, unburied, at Fotheringhay for nearly six months, before finally being interred in Peterborough Cathedral on 1 August. Her son, James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603 and in 1612, he had his mother’s remains moved to Westminster Abbey, where they remain to this day.
The story of Mary Queen of Scots’ life had always been full of twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies and it was no different when she met her end. Other questions this video will answer include: why was Mary Queen of Scots killed? How old was Mary Queen of Scots when she died? Where did Mary Queen of Scots die and when did Mary Queen of Scots die?
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READ:
Antonia Fraser, Mary Queen of Scots (London, 1969). Available from amzn.to/37qcHxp (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/3fKJXUp (US LINK)
Kate Williams, The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and Her Greatest Rival (Pegasus Books, 2018). Available from amzn.to/2X2DnC9 (UK LINK) amzn.to/3fKPuKJ (US LINK)
The last will and testament of Mary, Queen of Scots, 8 February 1587
scotlandsmary.com/last-will-t...
Mary’s prayer book, used at her execution (blog entry with photographs)
www.huntington.org/verso/2018...
Mary Monica Maxwell-Scott, The Tragedy of Fotheringay..., Founded on the Journal of D. Bourgoing (London, 1895)
www.gutenberg.org/files/54884...
[This book has a number of eye witness reports of Mary’s final hours in its appendices]
Calendars of the State Papers relating to Scotland
babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?i...
[Again, numerous primary sources relating to Mary’s death. Just scroll through to the relevant date]
WATCH:
Mary, Queen of Scots (2018 film). amzn.to/3Cw6QEP (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/37pJ1QQ
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NB: Links above may be affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through one of these links, I earn a small commission. It in no way affects the price you pay.
Creative Commons licenses used see creativecommons.org/licenses/

[@HistoryCalling]

What do you make of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots? Let me know below and remember to SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS switched on and check out the DESCRIPTION BOX for books and movies about Mary. You can also join my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling

[@tracymcardle1236]

It is awful to think how vicious humans are, to kill because you believe in a different way to someone else is wrong on so many levels, and the way they killed people is a crime in its self. Why are we so violent, it never ceses to amaze me.😟

[@kaseylee1152]

@@tracymcardle1236 we are terrible vicious creatures I feel the same way I dislike the human race for how we kill everything from other humans,animals,forest,oceans, just everything that has something we benefit from. We take and take till there is hardly anything left it bothers me alot I don't understand how sick some Hans can be and what we will do for money it's very gross.

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

Queen Mary of ScoTs should habe had naTural red hair colour which we donT had

[@kimcolberg1834]

Yay

[@daneaxe6465]

How to avoid being executed for plotting to kill the king/queen: RULE #1 / STOP plotting to kill the king/queen. See, its very simple. RULE #2 / Stop doing the bidding of a third party (like the pope) to kill/violently remove said king/queen. Failure to follow such simple guidelines in life results in premature demise with very little sympathy for said repeated violators. See!! Its not that tough.!!

[@megbailey8567]

Her little dog was a more faithful friend to her than the humans she was surrounded by. Perhaps a bit off topic, but I find the story of her faithful little dog deeply touching

[@navileblond9981]

I absolutely agree with you.

[@susanhiggins6488]

Pet are so faithful. There love is unconditional

[@megbailey8567]

Yes .... I would like to hope someone gave that faithful little creature a new forever home ... but the Tudor queens were rarely kind to other people, let alone animals

[@kathleenvargovich9539]

You can pretty much generalize that to almost all dogs and humans.

[@edithengel2284]

Her attendants were very faithful friends.

[@marshavilkas3512]

Mary was a kind queen, but she grew up in an environment of love and respect in France. Elizabeth I grew up fighting for her right to the throne, her legitimacy, and her right to exist after her mother's death. She struggled her entire life, and I think that shaped her on how to handle foreign and domestic affairs really well and in a calculated manner. Mary never got those lessons from experience. And I think that really made a difference on how these two queens approached their reign.

[@ericabouchard8786]

I agree to this! They were both raised much differently especially after Elizabeth's mothers downfall.

[@abigailcoe3955]

I agree. Elizabeth was, very much, her father’s daughter in many ways

[@sharongourlay6438]

lol a kind Queen who burned protestants alive

[@ericabouchard8786]

@@sharongourlay6438 I think you are thinking of Mary Tudor, Henry the 8ths daughter. She had the nickname Bloody Mary. She burned protestants and wanted England to be strictly catholic after her father broke from the pope.

[@abigailcoe3955]

@@sharongourlay6438 Mary of Scots was actually very tolerant of Protestants. Her cousin though, Mary Tudor (Elizabeth’s older sister), is the one who lead the campaign against the Protestants 😂 you have your Mary’s mixed up

[@aprilsnow7798]

I've watched many many videos on Mary Queen of Scots and I've never heard the letter she wrote the king of France before, great video very informative! Wish the world would have been kinder to Mary💜

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, letters like that are always interesting. They're quite long to read out and include in videos, but I think they're worth it. Perhaps you haven't heard it before as the original is in French (though it was simple enough to find an English translation).

[@sharongourlay6438]

Like how she was to the protestants alive

[@carolmckellar2791]

@@sharongourlay6438 Mary Queen of Scots was very tolerant to Scots who were of the Protestant Religion. You obviously do not know much about Scotland's History. The Mary who persecuted Protestants was Mary Tudor, Elizabeth the First of England's older Half Sister. Henry the Eighth's Eldest Daughter by Catherine of Aragon. These are the undisputed Facts.

[@achilleswilles]

Mary seemed a head strong , tolerant , kind Queen and feel in love with the wrong men and lead with her head

[@beretta92x93]

You always find a way to include more facts and more details than many other documentary series seen on historical TV shows. Such a great channel.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. :-) I'm a stickler for the primary sources, so I think that helps and while I certainly believe in presenting things in an accessible manner, I don't believe in dumbing down. I find that when you provide a good product (videos in my case), people will appreciate it and even if does require a bit more effort to keep up, they'll put in that effort if they feel it's worth it.

[@hollyh314]

I agree with you and I just left a comment similar to that because like having access to be able to see the last will and testament and then having those letters read are just phenomenal to me!! Other shows will mention it but not go into depth of its entirety.

[@DoveAlexa]

They seem to think what people who love history want the most are shots of fields, slow-mo costumed battle re-enactments and not, you know, historical details. Also don't forget padding the hell out of the thing with portentous words and significant glances between actors.

[@nassauguy48]

Just like Anne Boleyn was vindicated by her daughter becoming Queen, so was Mary Stuart by her son succeeding Elizabeth.

[@hollyh314]

I sometimes think that because of the execution that is precisely why Queen Elizabeth had Mary Queen of Scots son succeed her... Sort of like atoning for it or to make herself feel better. I think this is why she chose him to be her successor as a way to make herself feel better for having Mary Queen of Scots executed! Just a thought! 🤗

[@jessicalarsen7094]

@@hollyh314 actually her son was next in line of the throne. If Elizabeth didn’t have children which she didn’t the person who would take the throne is Mary son. They are related to king Henry sister. King Henry father wanted this . He wanted to have one king for the Scots and for England. Which ended up happening in the end .

[@hollyh314]

@@jessicalarsen7094 You're absolutely right and I didn't even think of it that way but he was next in line to the throne.

[@JO-hu4dx]

He treated his mother badly however. Never visited her for years.

[@craftsandstuff3349]

She should have gone to France.

[@el_aleman]

It always amazes me how “religious people” can be so savage towards each other just over differences of their respective churches

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, the extremists do rather seem to have missed the point don't they?

[@loretta_3843]

It's really sad. In these times though being able to allow for difference of opinion was seen as being lax. It was a topsy turvy way of thinking.

[@Simiiiyah]

That part

[@shadowsteve68]

Yep, everyone is fighting over who has the best imaginary friend, you gotta love religion 😒

[@carolbrown1688]

I think that we can't completely understand how they felt about their religion. They lived in such turbulent times, with such brutal consequences, they had very little scientific knowledge and God would make sense to them. I feel sorry for Mary, but also for Elizabeth, of course she felt sad when her cousin died, but politically Mary had to go. Elizabeth was a strong, lonely ruler, whereas Mary was emotional and raised in completely different circumstances. Such a sad end to a great family.

[@kasie680]

I could listen to your voice *ALL DAY* you should do audible books

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, thank you :-) Maybe some day.

[@lifeinthevoid1595]

I had exact same thought! I prefer audio books and the narrator really affects the experience

[@vickit7149]

I love hearing “history calling” it makes my day!

[@michellenee6427]

I really enjoy your in-depth history lessons on the executions of some of Europes most famous queens. These lessons are better than the ones I received while touring England and West Minster Abbey. I am great full that you have taken the time to do these history lessons making these royal ladies more human to us in modern times. I can’t help to wonder if we have learned from the lessons of the past to help us here in the present.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Michelle. I'm really glad you like the videos. I think I'm going to have to set up an execution playlist at this rate! I have ended up doing rather a lot of them. I like to think that on the whole, humanity has improved since the 1500s, though with some notable exceptions unfortunately.

[@MatiaBryson]

I've watched all your videos. I love your pace, getting to the meat, without too many speculations. I also like your accent. Looking forward to you doing a video in what is known of the deaths of the young princes in the Tower.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Matia. That's absolutely on the list. I've just held off so far as I know it'll be a long one, by the time I get through all the conspiracy theories. I'll pulled together some images for it already though and bought a book about it.

[@TheTesemeau]

Scholarly, accessible and thorough, I am loving your work, thank you! This is history as I understand it best and love it most. From a distance we come closest through an exploration and understanding of the slightest detail.

[@delskioffskinov]

I enjoyed it immensely! I love your soft narration and honest opinion makes for good content thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@roscluaran]

Thank you very much for this outstanding coverage of Mary, Queen of Scots death. Your in-depth account of her final hours is very moving and compelling. A very informative and enlightening video.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Rhiannon. I'm glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

[@tdesq.2463]

Well said.👍

[@csh43166]

Indeed... 💕

[@tdesq.2463]

Rhiannon: Incredible song about an "Olde Welsh Witch"

[@hollyh314]

@@tdesq.2463 Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night and wouldn't you love to love her!!🤗

[@JerryD121657]

Very well done. I'm really enjoying all of your videos. The Tudor Period in English History has always fascinated me. It's incredible how Henry VIII's roving eye and desire for a male heir could alter English History forever and cause such death and destruction. One thing that I've always found to be such a paradox is how a supposedly civilized nation could treat people, even Kings and Queens, so savagely.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. I certainly think the term civility is subjective and ever changing.

[@hollyh314]

I absolutely love the depth of your videos. Such as the link to be able to see Mary Queen of Scots last will and testament. Also the letters that you read out to us really makes it seem tangible and real to me because it's the actual words and thoughts from said person!! It is those things within your videos that really stand out!!🤗 Thank you so much for all you do!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Holly :-)

[@hollyh314]

@@HistoryCalling you're very welcome 🤗

[@mac8697]

Thank you so much for your videos. I've always had a very hard time following Tudor history, and you have such a special way of bringing them to life that it makes it really easy for me to follow and remember the people and the events of their lives.

[@cherylnunn658]

Thank you so much for covering Mary's story. I look forward to your videos each week. There is so much we can learn from history

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@tdesq.2463]

Very respectful tribute to tragic queen. Having the benefit of this presentation, and knowledge imparted thereby, I must say: That Mary, Queen of Scots was pretty cool. ~TD, Boston

[@HistoryCalling]

She was certainly remarkably calm when faced with her final fate and even thinking of the welfare of her servants, which shows great presence of mind.

[@tdesq.2463]

@@HistoryCalling Yes.That really stuck out. Great vid! Thank You!

[@ElizabethF2222]

I think Elizabeth put off executing Mary as long as she could, because she didn't want to be known as the queen who executed another queen. I don't think her advisors, mainly Cecil and Walsingham, could handle Mary being alive because the Catholic plots against Elizabeth kept on coming, whether Mary was involved in the plotting or not, and Cecil and Walsingham pressured Elizabeth relentlessly IMO. I do think Elizabeth had a habit of blaming others for her own cowardly actions and that execution was about as botched and gruesome as one could get. IDK of Robert Dudley, as played by Jeremy Irons in Elizabeth I, really attended Mary's execution (more of a murder IMO) or not, but he would have most definitely been the only one who could have told Elizabeth that the execution she ordered was so horrific and botched. Mary Queen of Scots is one of my ancestors, as my grandmother was a Stuart (changed from the earlier Stewart, not sure why, something to do with the French?) IDK but I've always been fascinated by Mary and her life. Whatever happened, she should have gotten rid of that horrible John Knox, that raging Protestant who was out to get her from the beginning, because he HATED Catholics and hated women even more. What a poor excuse for a "religious" man, but those were the times, I guess. Great video.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Elizabeth. I think Elizabeth I was reluctant to kill Mary too, until the Babington plot, then reluctant to be seen to be killing Mary (a subtle, but important difference). I don't think Dudley was present in reality. On the spelling of Stuart/Stewart, I vaguely remember reading that Mary spelt it one way and Darnley another, which might account for the switch after she married him and for their son. I'm not sure however. That's just one of the random bits of knowledge bouncing around inside my head and I can't remember where I got it! :-)

[@ElizabethF2222]

@@HistoryCalling Thanks so much for your reply! I googled it and apparently, Mary changed the spelling from Stewart, to the more French "Stuart," according to French convention, whatever that means. I do know Mary really loved her childhood in France and I wish she would have just stayed there and never gone back to Scotland. I don't know if she was allowed to even stay after Francis died, but it would have been best for her if she could have! I'm also really fascinated by Mary I. Although she had a pretty rough childhood with Henry disowning her, and what Henry did to her mother, I just can't get past her burning people alive! However horrible Mary Queen of Scot's execution was, at least it was quicker than what Mary Tudor made her subjects go through when she burned them alive at the stake, just because they didn't believe as she did. Also Elizabeth and her hanging drawing and quartering thing. I mean seriously? Unbelievable how cruel people were back then! Oh, and I figured Dudley wouldn't have wanted anything to do with that execution. I mean why would he even volunteer for that? Thanks for clearing that up.

[@pedanticradiator1491]

@@ElizabethF2222 the spelling changed so Mary's French relatives could pronounce it better. She was forced to leave France after her 1st husbands death as her mother in law the Queen Mother Catherine De Medici wanted rid of her and i don't think she ever approved of the marriage as she did not like Mary's mother's family the Guises. If your grandmother was a Stuart it's unlikely Mary was a direct ancestor of yours more likely a distant cousin or several times great aunt

[@ElizabethF2222]

@@pedanticradiator1491 Yes thank you! I talked to my mother about it. Something like a VERY distant cousin. She said my grandmother always embellished it a bit and my mom always said let her think what she wants but I never really knew for sure. My grandmother is gone now. I always wondered why Mary came back to Scotland after Francis death. I didn't realize how much Catherine De Medici obviously despised her. There was probably a little jealousy mixed in as well, as Mary was supposedly so pretty (although I don't see it at all in her portraits). Our perception of beauty has really changed over 500 years or so if that was considered so beautiful. LOL Thanks again for the explanation!

[@pedanticradiator1491]

@@ElizabethF2222 I have long been fascinated by Elizabethan history and 2 years ago whilst researching my family tree I found out that my 14 times great grandfather was the Duke of Norfolk who was executed for plotting to marry Mary, Queen of Scots. Elizabeth I is my 2nd cousin 16 times removed

[@MultiDane007]

Once again, very well done!! I enjoy every video I’ve watched.

[@stephencarrillo5905]

I'm always inspired to read up on all the events and historical figures you cover in your videos. Thanks for the inspiration. I look forward to your weekly videos and you never disappoint.

[@HistoryCalling]

Aw, thank you so much.

[@mariac4327]

I look forward to your videos each week! They are so informative and interesting!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-) I'm really glad you like them.

[@katiev9494]

What an incredible video. Thank you so much for the detail snd effort.

[@HistoryCalling]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and commenting. :-)

[@ciarasimpson2640]

Always fascinated by this story.....such a pity she met a horrific end when Elizabeths own mother was granted a swordsman from France, she should have had just the same comfort. However once again interesting and excellent delivery... Thank you ☺️

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching :-)

[@boxybrown5300]

I love this channel. The videos are so well done!

[@alisonridout]

Great video. Thank you. Alison

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you too :-)

[@Literally.Sabrina]

This video is so great and informative I would have never known most of these details if I watched someone else ! So sad 🥺

[@BMW7series251]

Just trying to catch up with your superb historical videos. Have subbed & look forward to all your new vlogs. I read the Tudors at college so it's great to see other regal stories. Thank you, John. UK.

[@jerryskeepero]

Wonderful video thank you for sharing

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@ericpitt3876]

EXCELLENT! Very happy you did this!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Eric. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@ericpitt3876]

@@HistoryCalling With all due respect - her execution was gnarly.

[@itakelly8150]

Your channel is the best history channel!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much :-)

[@jamestnov41945]

Excellent presentation, thank you.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome! :-)

[@sharonfleming6314]

Awww Mary seemed to b a kind lady 😥thank u for another brilliant video 🙂

[@csh43166]

As always, a very educational and interesting lesson, done with excellent storytelling. I think most actions of the Royalty of past eras (and today) were motivated by politics, i.e. Elizabeth's grief and statements after Mary's death. I understand that she was essentially an "enemy of the state," but I do think it was very cruel not to grant Mary's wishes regarding her faith at her death. As we see better today, it really makes no difference in the short, nor long, run... Well done!

[@Emerald-daughter-of-hades]

I love your videos I am a big history nerd and this video really helped me with my homework so thank you and keep up the amazing work

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much and I'm always happy to help with history homework :-)

[@Emerald-daughter-of-hades]

@@HistoryCalling your channel and others have been a godsend when it has come to my history work as the channels I watch cover the vast history of our world but yours is the best I have found on royalty

[@johnwilkinson7605]

You really bring to life the subject matter of each video and your voice is clear concise with a lovely calming presence to it ,I could listen to you reading a phone book and be entranced. I love history and learning how certain outcomes were achieved , in a macabre kind of way fascinated by the Tudor era and the executions for seemingly in our day and age pretty innocuous reasons but then again there’s certain religions even today that will persecute and control women far more than men I feel ,unless men who normally would’ve created the religion have a fear of women ..anyway going off on a tangent here ,.so I’ll say great video and I especially loved the Henry videos and the ones on each of his wives I really learnt a lot that I didn’t know , so thank you for that and look forward to the next one 💕

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks John. I promise I'll never put your phone book theory to the test though, by reading one out to you :-)

[@johnwilkinson7605]

@@HistoryCalling haha 😂 I'm sure you'd make that even interesting, mr geophrey bamsfield from 29 havingit way in Leicester has a private number.. Naughty boy and we Mrs Joan Harriet Jones who lives at the hungry plaice chip shop in Dundee. Legend has it that her great great grandad a Mr Fred Flint Jones was arrested for fishing at the local zoo, he was reported and subsequently charged after someone who first complimented Mr Jones on the size of his fish after saying you must've applied the batter with a paint roller but his laughter soon turned to discust when his fish turned out to be a stingray in batter. He was sentanced to 8 years and whilst there changed his name to captain bitdseye and the rest as they say is.. History 😂 see you'd bring even that to life Haha

[@davidsymonds4751]

Just watched this video and you have done an outstanding job of bringing to life the final hours of Mary queen of Scots,I'm impressed by your account and research into this execution. Thanks for uploading.👍

[@ns-wz1mx]

I wonder if Mary ever thought she would be so popular in history even 500 years later, her life and death is absolutely fascinating

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I wonder too sometimes what famous historical figures would think about all the books, movies and shows about them. I'm sure if she could see a lot of the stuff though, she'd be saying things like 'that isn't true!', or 'why do they think that?' or 'Well that clearly wasn't my fault, Darnley had lots of enemies after all'. :-)

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling that is what i was thinking too! i bet every time someone plays Mary in a movie or show and has a Scottish accent she’s like *eyeroll* 😂

[@HistoryCalling]

@@ns-wz1mx I know I definitely am. It's one of my pet peeves about portrayals of her. I always want scream at the screen 'You grew up in France!' 🙂

[@ns-wz1mx]

@@HistoryCalling me too!!!!!😂😂

[@Hanami63]

Pretty sure that's what she was aiming for, since she insisted on dying a mater even though he execution had nothing to do with her religion, despite the pettiness of the actions of others.

[@VintageView]

You are amazing.

[@HistoryCalling]

Aww, thank you :-)

[@DiddlyPenguin]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@sueamos3860]

A very interesting but sad read, thank you

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I'll probably do videos on Mary's earlier life at some point, which won't be as miserable.

[@belladingdong3396]

I love your videos. Thank you for your binge worthy content. You are a goddess among us mere mortals.

[@jumaris28]

Wow ! Magnificent details and great descriptions ! Born a Queen and faced death with sublime dignity! Long lives Mary Queen of Scott’s 💕💕 Greetings from California.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you and greetings from across the pond :-)

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Thanks.

[@idgriffin56]

Excellent

[@annbaker3142]

So sad that she wasn't allowed her priest and nearly her ladies. A very brutal death that Elizabeth tried to blame others for...... very sad! Great video as always. X

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Ann. Yes, I think Elizabeth probably knew exactly what she was doing, but then she was clever at politics in a way that I'm afraid Mary never was and to be fair to her, Mary was planning to kill her and had likely been involved in other plots over the years too. Still, Mary's priest should have been allowed to see her.

[@Goodiesfanful]

She wasn’t allowed a Catholic funeral. Everything was Protestant. At least she must be at peace with her final burial at Westminster among her descendants, even if it’s not the French burial she wanted.

[@jclaneva]

It could be that Elizabeth's grief was real on a personal level. Her mother, a queen, was condemned to death and executed by her father, Henry VIII. Now she, herself, has signed the death warrant for a queen and her close blood relative. Mary's death can only have brought back the trauma of losing her own mother in that strange way which grief can do. On a political level and public level, it's perfectly possible that Elizabeth did exaggerate her grief or allow it to be seen for effect and perhaps to stave off some of the criticism she was bound to get. Likewise, her assertion that she had never intended for the signed warrant to be carried out may also have been to emphasize that she did not want Mary's death, again to soften some of the criticism bound to head her way. The insecurities of Elizabeth's early life and the tumultuous years of Mary's reign in Scotland created, I believe, women of some depth and complexity whose motives and emotional reactions are perhaps not as clear as they seem to be.

[@hollyh314]

And I think this is why she chose Mary Queen of scots' son to be her successor

[@ffotograffydd]

@@hollyh314 He was next in line and would have become King regardless. He effectively sold out his mother to ensure there was no reason for English Protestant nobility to oppose his claim to the throne.

[@hollyh314]

@@ffotograffydd yes, I have learned this since my post. I just love all kinds of history, especially Tudor History going into The Stuarts.

[@edithengel2284]

@@ffotograffydd He was not an automatic next in line, though he was probably the most suitable of all the numerous heirs, and Elizabeth played him like a fish.

[@beginnerbuglady]

Felt sorry for poor Mary, she sounds like a nice lady who treated her servants well :( Really enjoying all your videos though, just quality content so well put together! Not often you hear a fellow Northern Ireland accent too!! ;)

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you like them and brilliant to a fellow Northern Irelander listening too :-)

[@karenbreeding8597]

As a Catholic and as of Scottish descent I can tell you that for much of her life she was not a very good example of a saint. She certainly knew that her husband was going to be killed, she married his murderer and not as a Catholic but in a Protestant ceremony so, Dude, she is about as good an example of what we strive for ideally as the Borgias.

[@Chuck0856]

Harsh -- there's no proof she was complicit in her husband's death AND she had little choice in her third marriage -- it was basically forced upon her.

[@karenbreeding8597]

Gimme a break already. I hope she rests in peace now, too, but I'm not buying it. I'm just saying she's not Little Mary Sunshine.@@Chuck0856

[@ffotograffydd]

Strange comment.

[@favaalessandro1005]

Poor Mary. A romantic, somehow brave woman, convinced that she could do whatever she wanted to without struggling. The opposite of her cousin, who struggled for being accepted as a daughter, a sister or, simply, as a woman. Mary had three husbands, Elizabeth never married, Mary was taken prisoner and beheaded, Elizabeth reigned for 44 years, the Golden Age, letting England thrive thanks to her cleverness and wisdom. Never could two women be more different.

[@edithengel2284]

Yes, Bothwell grabbed her with a force of hundreds of armed men when she was out with a few tens of her unarmed attendants. She was afraid if she put up a fuss, they might be hurt. She was basically taken prisoner, separated from the few ladies and gentlemen allowed to come with her, attended only by Bothwell's sister, and probably raped. She was no saint, but she didn't kill. her husband and she was compelled to marry her third husband. She couldn't reject him afterwards for fear she had become pregnant (which she had), and the appearance of an illegitimate child would have ruined the remains of her reputation. She was suicidal afterwards.

[@daddysgirl5049]

One of my favorite historic women!! Thank you :-)

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome :-)

[@samkohen4589]

Never had a headache again!

[@donnak6668]

I love your videos! They are so informative and you don't waste lots of time blathering on about yourself. Thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, thank you. I like my internet privacy, so apart from (perhaps) a Q&A video at some point, maybe for 50,000 subs, there will be no blathering on about me 🙂

[@katjack2780]

When I first read about the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, I was greatly affected by the account. Such a mixture of bravery, pathos, stupidity and incompetence. But it's the little dog that was almost unbearable to read about (I'm an animal lover, like the Stuarts) So I confess that I didn't really want to revisit it by watching this video. I'm sure you did your usual excellent job. I just wanted to add the biography by John Guy My Heart Is My Own : The Life of Mary Queen of Scots. And to warn about the atrocious recent movie about Mary Queen of Scots. Stick with the old version with Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson reprising her Queen Elizabeth (1971). It has some inaccuracies but is much more true to the characters.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Kat. It is a very sad ending, so I completely understand you not wanting to watch and the dog is indeed mentioned.

[@robertdudley4017]

Mary was seen as threat to Elizabeth her council wanted Mary dead, outwardly Elizabeth was in mourning and sad at Mary's death,

[@einezcrespo2107]

She mourned out of guilt and fear of reprisals from Spain and the Catholic world for killing an anointed Queen. Elizabeth DID sign the death warrant.

[@jamesaron1967]

@@einezcrespo2107 She signed the warrant but didn't want the execution to go ahead until she gave explicit orders. Her rash council decided to take it upon themselves and proceeded anyway using the warrant as liberty to action. She was ostensibly very upset upon discovery of the execution. Now, whether this was crocodile tears or genuine, I guess we'll never truly know. There are accounts of her regretting Mary's execution on her death bed. If true, there's no reason for her to even mention Mary's execution a decade and a half later if there was no regret. She knew well enough that Mary's death would stir European Catholic powers against her and even the possible invasion of England itself. On that threat alone, I don't believe she truly wanted Mary's execution, signature or not. Was it expedient? Domestically, yes. However, England escaped invasion by Spain on a fortuitous storm; the war _would_ have gone against England if the Armada was spared Nature's wrath. Elizabeth understood her small country was barely defensible against a world empire like Spain. Elizabeth was hot-headed but far from stupid.

[@carolmckellar2791]

@@einezcrespo2107 I agree in what you say. Elizabeth was ruthless like her father Henry the eighth of England. She saw Mary Queen of Scots as a threat to her throne as Henry's sister was Mary's Grandmother. There was no grief on Elizabeth's part she was her father's daughter.

[@Rat_Queen86]

@@einezcrespo2107 she had no choice. To allow her to live was to overlook someone who wanted the crown for herself and was plotting to assassinate Elizabeth.

[@ianross04]

This is a most wonderful narration of a most terrible event in British History. I only learned earlier this year that my Great Grandfather x12 was one of mary Queen of Scots favoured advisors in her privvy council and going on the limited research that i have done, he had some involvement in the murders of both her husband Lord Darnley and her Courtier David Rizzio.

[@ns-wz1mx]

every time i realize it’s friday i’m like “omg new history calling video today “ 😍

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, I actually have the same reaction when I almost forget to come on here at 7pm (my time), post a pinned comment and answer the early comments from you guys :-)

[@ns-wz1mx]

i would certainly lose track of it! you’re excellent at it though!

[@hollyh314]

LOL I do the exact same thing!!🤗 It's like my Christmas morning every single week!!

[@sue-Ellen9]

Interesting

[@Ashley-vs8nu]

What a unique time in history. Truly a shame that two cousins couldn't rule successfully and simultaneously . Her final moments were so disrespectful

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. There's a quote from somewhere (I'm afraid I can't remember where) the gist of which is that all their problems would have been solved if only they could have married each other.

[@ElizabethF2222]

Excellent comment and choice of adjective to describe what Elizabeth and her counselors did to Mary, absolutely disrespectful! I think Elizabeth was also very jealous of Mary as Mary was said to be very beautiful and 6 ft tall, definitely what our modern society would call a "supermodel" LOL so no way Elizabeth would have wanted Mary around, as Elizabeth was used to getting all the attention and was even jealous of some of her ladies in waiting.

[@jamesaron1967]

@@ElizabethF2222 6ft tall was tall even for men of that age. A woman of that height would have been seen as a giant. I think it's safe to say she was shorter. I'm a half inch under 6ft and thought of as tall-ish in my family who are not considered short. No way Mary was 6ft.

[@ElizabethF2222]

@@jamesaron1967 I hear what you're saying but that's her description in two separate biographies and a documentary. Its actually 5'11" so not quite 6' but very close. I even googled it because I felt like you did that people weren't that tall back then and that must be in error, but apparently, she really was.

[@jessicalarsen7094]

Very political and religion was a big part of why she had to die . They didn’t want a catholic as Queen . Since Elizabeth had no heirs the crown would go to queen marry . Political because Catholics believed Mary was the rightful queen. Both queens were doomed against each other from the start.

[@graemesmith3000]

MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER THROUGH THE AGES BEING SURROUNDED BY SUCH A BUNCH OF PRICKS.! VERY VERY INFORMATIVE PIECE OF HISTORY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT.

[@sailorgirl2017]

I just watched Mary, Queen of Scots with Saoirse Ronan last night and was going to suggest you do a video of her. Perfect timing!

[@HistoryCalling]

My original plan was actually to do another 'History vs Hollywood' video on Mary's execution, as I did for Anne Boleyn. However, once I started examining the primary sources, I realised that there is no really good portrayal of this event in any movie (including the Saoirse Ronan film), so I decided to just do a video on the real execution. Maybe I'll do a review of that movie at some point though.

[@sailorgirl2017]

@@HistoryCalling I never take movies as serious or accurate depictions of history. Unfortunately, that doesn't sell. Just happened to be watching that "version" of history. :)

[@a.munroe]

Can we please have your essential Tudor Booklist? I need new recommendations ❤️

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, I don't know how soon I could get to a video on that, so I'll just quickly respond here and say that for the six wives together, I like Antonia Fraser and David Starkey's books. For Anne Boleyn on her own, Eric Ives is the go-to work. For Katherine Howard, try Gareth Russell's book. For Mary I, Anna Whitelock's book. For Henry VIII's and Queen Elizabeth's younger years, David Starkey again has books on both of them. For Elizabeth's whole life, Anne Somerset's book. There should be links for all of these in videos about these people. Hope this helps.

[@a.munroe]

@@HistoryCalling thank you ❤️

[@kevinjohnson7693]

Excellent story

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much 😀

[@maryloumawson6006]

I always wonder what would have happened if the condemned refused to forgive the executioner? What if she had called out, "As I die a martyr to the one true faith in the living God, I pray that your sin of regicide be held against you and all your cohorts that prompted this crime, at the judgement and for all eternity!" One wonders if it is what Elizabeth feared? Not that she would say it, but that it might be true. By all accounts, the condemned seem to go very docilly to their deaths. Ann Boleyn, Thomas More, Kathryn Howard. They all say what a great guy King Henry was, and they die his servant etc.

[@HistoryCalling]

That's a good point. The Countess of Salisbury might have refused (I'd need to check). If she did, it didn't save her though.

[@memorex202]

"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." In other words, Mary understood that if she wanted to be forgiven of her sins, then she must forgive those who trespass against her.

[@annwilliams6438]

Generally, they went submissively and praising the monsters who condemned them, was so that their families didn’t suffer after their death… all too often the monarch stripped their families of everything anyway!

[@terencebennison6275]

Apparantly, approximately 200 persons were crammed into the hall to witness Mary's execution. The scaffold was only 2 feet off the ground and barely 3 or 4 metres square, on which Mary, her ladies, the executioner, the 'block' and possibly 2 noblemen sitting on chairs were in situ. It must have been a 'bone chilling' experience for all who witnessed it. Meanwhile back in London Queen Elizabeth must have been dreading the news that the execution of her cousin had been carried out ( despite the fact that she had signed the death warrant). A huge stain on an otherwise glorious reign!

[@Goodiesfanful]

James had Fotheringhay demolished, and not even the ruins survive. It’s said the local inn bought the staircase from it - and with it, Mary’s ghost.

[@ItsJustLisa]

I remember hearing the story of Mary’s execution when I visited the UK as as a child. I think it was because we saw a tapestry in Windsor Castle portraying the event. I also remember seeing her tomb in Westminster. How well did James even remember his mother? And why did Elizabeth and Mary never meet? They were cousins. Could all of this have been prevented?

[@HistoryCalling]

James wouldn't have remembered her at all and as for why Elizabeth opted not to meet Mary, I don't think there's an official reason, but I suspect she worried Mary's legendary charm might affect how she (Elizabeth) treated her. It certainly would have made it more difficult to sign the death warrant I think, had she known Mary personally.

[@technojunkie123]

I think it's interesting how in the end Mary was vindicated by her son succeeding Elizabeth as the king of both Scotland and England - in fact it seems that her son may have on some level always viewed his mother as the legitimate queen of England as her tomb in Westminster has an inscription of her as the "Queen of France, Scotland, and England"

[@cherylcc997]

Just an FYI that I have pressed to receive updates but don’t get them

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh that's really strange. I have no idea why that would happen, but it's very annoying for us both :-( I've heard of similar issues on other channels however. I'll try to remember to put a reminder in an upcoming video to get people to double check that. Thanks for the heads up :-)

[@MagdaleneDivine]

I accidently just fast forwarded almost the whole thing lol

[@danmaltby3271]

describing Mary’s clothes sounds like a Billy Joel song ….the kind with the velvet collar Bitty bop shapes oh yeah!

[@alimccreery755]

I’ve been to the castle in Scotland in which she lived. Very impressive and an honor to be there. 🤗

[@MagdaleneDivine]

It keeps you cultured.

[@FandersonUfo]

I think Elizabeth knew Mary had to go and all her histrionics over signing Mary's death warrant were quite calculated and just one more brilliant move by Elizabeth Tudor - she made it very difficult to kill a Queen for her reign at least - another good video - ty

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I think so too. Elizabeth was generally very good at staying in control and I don't think she'd have lost that control on such an important issue as this. Her attempts to have Mary poisoned really give the lie to the whole idea that she didn't want her cousin dead.

[@FandersonUfo]

@@HistoryCalling - Elizabeth probably had a genius level IQ - that is just about the biggest difference between her reign and her sister's - and outwitting Mary Stuart was not a huge chore for her either - plus Phillip of Spain and many others she just outwitted so well - an amazing woman to be Queen at that time - it worked out well for England

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, she was certainly a very clever woman and I think as unpleasant as her youth was at times, it was good training for someone who would need to be able to hang onto her throne in Tudor England.

[@FandersonUfo]

@@HistoryCalling - she hung on like a veteran pro which she was - you might consider looking at a short vid about her use of language - they say she could out swear any pirate of that time and I bet that's true - I do appreciate the colourful language of that age most of all - I don't think that vid has been done by any one else yet - 🛸

[@dalehoward3704]

Tragic.

[@joemckibben7757]

I thought this was a Monty Python video. “I’m not dead yet!”

[@theoutseers]

So disturbing!

[@Tyler380]

That poor woman.. God Bless her...

[@mileslong3904]

I can respect to a point the continental reasons for Protestantism, but it seems to me England's religious strife is boils down to Henry 8 losing his taste for Spanish cuisine and his complications procuring local fare.

[@achilleswilles]

Mary Queen of Scot’s fascinates me so much

[@jeff30795]

I spent the night there this year, within a farmers field pitched directly opposite the site where Mary was executed; Come late afternoon, something resembling a black winged figure, shaped like a small human, came flying towards me, and then turned to fly west across the fields. An eerie sight to behold. There was a sense of hurt & sadness about it, I'll never forget.

[@jaydavies9260]

Thank you for making this video! It was really informative. It was a tragedy for Mary, after being ousted from Scotland due to her being catholic and a woman. I still feel that the charge of treason was not right. I know I will get backlash, as she wasn’t a subject of Elizabeth I. To be honest I think it was Elizabeth’s privy council that want her end. As they feared that England would become a catholic country. As happened when Mary Tudor was on the throne. I hope Mary Queen of Scots is resting in peace with her first love King Francis. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇫🇷

[@ffotograffydd]

Powerful men manipulated the situation for their own benefit. They took every opportunity to lie to Elizabeth. I doubt she would have executed Mary if they hadn’t created a situation where she had no choice.

[@tiffcat1100]

So sad, so badly treated in captivity (in damp cold places) & in death, and the story of the little dog is heartbreaking. I’m sure her ladies in waiting would have looked after & loved it. The prayer-off, well, no words. ❤

[@raumaanking]

This is so sad the problem was that there were two women that could have been queen of England in 1603 mary Queen of Scots and lady Jane grey if both were alive lady Jane grey would have been queen but still Mary Queen of Scots could have finally fulfilled her dream and lady Jane grey could finally fulfilled her father and mothers dream so this is sad that two woman were used as pawns in a dangerous game that lost both of there heads

[@Chuck0856]

what about Queen Mary I?

[@raumaanking]

@@Chuck0856 what do you mean

[@edithengel2284]

They couldn't both fulfill their dreams.

[@raumaanking]

@@edithengel2284 true which one is the most likely candidate based on if they would have still been alive during 1603 time or based on who Parliament would have given the crown too out of these two ladies in your opinion

[@johnpeter4184]

Well done. It demands a second go in a few days. A good teacher does better when detached as you are. Imo, one must not discount the blood shed within Britain during its reformation and did not Mary well deserve her title Bloody Mary?? btw The Huntington is not that far north of me maybe 40 miles. I've never visited... Shame shame

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks John. Yes, it was a brutal time and all things considered Elizabeth was pretty restrained in her treatment of Mary until the Babington plot. M did after all having a pretty comfortable life in England (certainly compared to most of the population) and was very naïve to think that even if Elizabeth was somehow toppled, the English would accept her as Queen. As you mention, Mary I's reign was still within living memory and no one would have wanted to risk a repeat, with another Bloody Mary.

[@mariageldenhuys6309]

Horrific

[@59tante]

How sad

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. Her servants were absolutely beside themselves with grief, though Mary was able to maintain an impressive degree of composure.

[@rdwwdr3520]

I wish you would have gone into detail or maybe it's another video) on *whether* Mary actually participated in a conspiracy as accused. I have read where some say it was a bit of a trap set by her enemies in Elizabeth's court.

[@Jay-n262]

Imagine a time people were being put to death for being a Catholic or a protestant. I watched the 4 season's of The Tudors these people were all nuts.

[@HistoryCalling]

Sadly it's not that far removed from the recent history of my own country I'm afraid, but I agree, it's insane.

[@Jay-n262]

But then again some of the worst monsters and killers are being let out of U.K. prisons after 5-10 year's. They let one guy out who threw acid onto a woman's face after just 6 year's.

[@ericabouchard8786]

I liked the Tudors but it isn't fully accurate. For one, in the show Henry's sister Margaret marries Louis XII then goes on to marry Charles Brandon. It was actually Henry's sister Mary who married his friend. The show never mentioned his sister Mary. Margaret tudor was Henry's older sister and Mary queen of Scots grandmother.

[@shellycassidy5473]

So very sad she was a brave woman rest in peace never forgotten

[@toddjohnson271]

I can see Elizabeth's suspicions of assassination. She dodged it with her father, was imprisoned and dodged it with half sister Mary 1.......Game of Thrones is not for the meek.

[@cababyboomerq6012]

This is great. But, sometimes your voice trails off quietly and I can not hear what you are saying.

[@bobbiemay6867]

We will never know the real truth about Mary Queen of Scots. From the English point of view she was thought to be a trouble maker and a genuine danger to Elizabeth.

[@gonefishing167]

Thank you, for years it was said that her 4 Mary:s were with her. From cradle to grave I think the phrase was. Funny how things just become ‘fact’ because they are repeated. Poor woman, they died terrible deaths back then. Anne Boleyn probably had the best I guess but he emotional strain leading up to it must have been appalling. Maybe they were stronger than us - or more used to people dying that way. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I've heard of the 4 Marys too, but I don't know enough about Queen Mary's earlier life at the moment to say much about them, except that I think they went with her to France as a child. I'll do other videos on her in the future I think and look at them then. Yes, I think people then had a very different attitude to death and perhaps even a better one, if they had been taught not to fear it.

[@verak66]

Totally agree how petty and, yes, cruel to deny Mary her priest and allow her to pray without interference. And why the stupid conversion effort? So they could brag to their "gracious" queen? And that poor little dog! How awful that he was there for that. Any record of where he was taken after he was washed?

[@HistoryCalling]

I read her dog pined away after she died. I don't know if that's true however. As it wasn't directly relevant to an already (for me) quite long video, I opted not to include that detail. I think it would have been a great PR coup to be able to say they'd converted her at the end (like when Mary I forced Archbishop Cranmer to pretend to convert, though he later recanted the conversion). Mary was having none of it though.

[@verak66]

@@HistoryCalling Thanks for responding. Actually very believable about her poor little dog. Mary wasn't innocent of plotting, that seems fairly certain but I don't think she deserved to die. However, I don't see how there can be any doubt that Mary was devout and sincere in her faith. Addicted to your videos. Compelling and informative. Thank you.

[@Chuck0856]

Why the conversion effort? It would have been good PR for the protestants that she realized the 'error of her ways' and gave up her Catholicism.

[@edithengel2284]

Mary Tudor did the same thing to Jane Grey. But Jane actually agreed to receive the Catholic priest, and if I remember correctly, they had quite a lot of conversation, although Jane remained staunchly Protestant. I think that Mary actually delayed the execution in the hopes that Jane would convert--though I can't remember if that would have saved her from death. I don't think that was the intent.

[@mizfrenchtwist]

i think , that , when executions of this sort were so badly botched , that it was intentional . i think , it was no mistake that , mary , was butchered in this way . terrible , unthinkable R.I.P. mary r. .........great share , thank you , for sharing..........................

[@Chuck0856]

I think it was more the case of a nervous executioner, after all how often did he behead an anointed queen?

[@edithengel2284]

There was no reason for anyone to botch the execution, and I don't think there was any contemporary suggestion that it was purposeful. I think Chuck0856 above is correct about the cause.

[@mizfrenchtwist]

@@Chuck0856 ..........if you know anything about history , when a person , who ran afoul of the monarcy was executed , they were butchered . mary , was accused of plotting elizabeth's death . it was no nervous accident .................

[@mizfrenchtwist]

@@edithengel2284 .....i think otherwise , that it was botched on purpose.............

[@edithengel2284]

@@mizfrenchtwist So I understand.

[@lulabellegnostic8402]

Interesting fact. Richard 3 was born in Fotheringhay Castle and there are many references to hi m in the parish church. The castle was destroyed by James 1, many believe because of his mother’s beheading.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thank you, Mary died bravely in her faith and the execution was botched. Not sure what to think about the rest. What did the average Scot think about her at the time? If the six gentlemen had done their work and she had somehow became Queen of England what would her reign have been like? So much fiction and inaccurate movies have glamourised her, and yes Elizabeth too. I think this is one of those occasions when History gets really hard and a little too subjective.

[@HistoryCalling]

It's hard to know what the average Scot thought of her. Certainly there were a lot of complaints that the English had executed her, but I think that was due to a feeling of it being a wound to Scottish national pride, rather than a show of love for Mary. They'd kicked her off the throne after all.

[@madiantin]

"Photo my own. All rights reserved". Did you draw that portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots? If so major major high fives.

[@HistoryCalling]

No, as I wrote on the credits, the photograph is mine, not the original portrait.

[@madiantin]

@@HistoryCalling Apologies, I should have read the credits.

[@snow640]

And Lady Diana Spencer also descended from her through her paternal grandmother