THE DARNLEY OR LENNOX JEWEL | famous Stuart jewels | famous royal women | Royal jewels documentary

The DARNLEY or LENNOX JEWEL is one of the most famous Stuart jewels in the Royal Collection of the United Kingdom, commissioned by one of the most famous royal women of the 16th century. In this royal jewels documentary from History Calling, we’ll decode the many layers of meaning in this spectacular, heart-shaped, gem-studded locket and look at the life of Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, the lady who had it created, most likely during the 1570s. We’ll see how the jewel betrayed her dynastic hopes for her family, especially her grandson, James VI of Scotland/James I of England, whose father, Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, was the second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. Margaret believed she and her descendants had a better claim to the English throne than Elizabeth I (who she viewed as illegitimate) and spent years plotting how she might see her family take the crown. Sadly for her, her schemes led to misery and death for many members of her family. Lord Darnley may have been the King Consort of Scotland, but this didn’t save him from being murdered in 1567 and when his father later became regent for the infant James VI, he too was killed in 1571. In fact, the jewel functions as a mememto mori (a reminder of death) to remember the life of Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox (Margaret’s husband and Lord Darnley’s father). Variously called either the Darnley Jewel, or the Lennox jewel in recognition of the family’s titles, it is now housed in Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, where it is on show alongside countless other objects connected with the Scottish royal family of the 1500s and their English cousins. Please enjoy this video on one of the most famous royal Stuart jewels around.
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Mary, Queen of Scots (2018 film). amzn.to/3Cw6QEP (UK LINK) OR amzn.to/37pJ1QQ
READ:
[FREE] Royal Collection Trust website entry on the jewel (with high res images and video) www.rct.uk/col...
[FREE] Patrick Tytler, Historical notes on the Lennox or Darnley jewel (London, 1843).
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Morgan Ring, So High a Blood: The Story of Margaret Douglas, the Tudor That Time Forgot (2015) amzn.to/3qss29L (UK LINK) OR (US LINK) amzn.to/3HjxH8U
Alison Weir, Mary Queen of Scots: And the Murder of Lord Darnley (2004). Available from amzn.to/3evJtkg (UK LINK) OR (US LINK) amzn.to/32Gd1Jh
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)
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THUMBNAIL: Darnley/Lennox jewel. Photo my own, all rights reserved. Lady Margaret Douglas, Rijks Museum (detail), public domain.
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[@HistoryCalling]

What's your favourite part of the jewel and would you interpret its meanings differently to me? Let me know below and check out my PATREON site for extra perks at www.patreon.com/historycalling Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE too.

[@katjack2780]

I've always been fascinated by the Lennox jewel. I think it's probably the most symbolically complex of any piece of historic jewelry. And a nice way to segue into the life of Margaret Douglas:) So now you've featured one of my trio of favorite Margarets. You mentioned you will be covering Margaret Beaufort in the upcoming Wars of the Roses women. Can I hope you will also include Margaret of Anjou?

[@HistoryCalling]

Hi Kat, I'm working on Cecily Neville at the moment and debating doing Margaret of Anjou right after her, as so much of their stories overlap.

[@katjack2780]

@@HistoryCalling Merci, ma dame:)

[@angr3819]

I love beautiful jewelry. Not for the pecuniary value but the art and skill. Thank you.

[@mist9138]

@@HistoryCalling I live in the States... I've only really heard about the Lennox Jewel & basically only in passing. It's a gorgeous piece of craftsmanship! Those that designed, actually worked on it... They had to be some of the best in their craft! A gorgeous piece with such a sad story. Just found your channel, can't wait to see what else you bring to life!

[@susannarita4259]

Just wanted to note that I've realised you've transitioned from a "that video looks interesting to me" channel to a "it's history calling so I'm sure it'll be fascinating" channel for me. Even when I don't recognise a topic I don't miss an upload because your videos are always great!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you so much. I wish I could get others to feel the same way as the non-Tudor/Plantagenet, non-treasure videos still don't do well. I thought Queen Victoria and Santa Claus would do much better for instance, but nope. I think they were too upbeat! :-)

[@lorilynnchristiansen2071]

I love all iterations of historic tales! This has become one of my favorite channels, so thank you.

[@kellybray1934]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@alexandramsh4740]

@@HistoryCalling I’m one of your subscribers that keep rewatching your nonTudors videos. There are loads of them on KZbin that sometimes I feel some creators are simply getting their ideas from other creators, that they are not researched accordingly. I just feel I had enough of them, and it leaves a bitter taste, if I may be allowed to say so! 😊 Humbly, I find your vigorous research reliable! I do appreciate your hard work, HC. Stay well, and let’s keep learning. 😍 Xx

[@KyalTagon-nl7cb]

❤Shar min aung ❤Par ...Kabar Thu Kabar Thar Toe.

[@naomiskilling1093]

Can I just take a minute to appreciate the skill of whatever craftsperson/s made this jewel? It is stunning detailed and intricate for such a small piece and would have taken some very skilled people to make it. It's a shame their work on this piece will forever be anonymous especially as it must have been a very time consuming piece to make.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. It really is incredible isn't it and just shows that it didn't take modern technology to be able to make something stunning like this?

[@edithengel2284]

The RCT suggests three possible candidates as creator of this piece: "Three Edinburgh goldsmiths are suggested as possible candidates - George Heriot, Michael Gilbert II and James Gray."

[@midnight_rose2337]

Well, this is certainly a very interesting topic. Margaret was playing a dangerous game in the jewel’s creation that broadcasted her dreams for her descendants. I think her actions took a lot of mettle and spine, but I wonder if she ever regretted some of her actions (and by that I mean the loss of her son in this pursuit).

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I'd be curious about that too. She certainly lost a lot over the years.

[@ns-wz1mx]

my favorite part is that it was never lost to history 😍 absolutely stunning 💎

[@HistoryCalling]

I totally agree :-)

[@tesssanders7993]

Is that a possible place for poison? Reminds me of poison rings and with the skull & crossbones the Motto "Death shall dissolve" So poison will dissolve and cause death could be!

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh, that's an intriguing idea. :-)

[@edithengel2284]

There is no suitable area for the containment of a poison.

[@AnnaB939603]

Margaret was one smart and artistic woman to design such a piece with its hidden meanings. And brave as well. She must have had a lot of anger towards the people who’d harmed her family. It’s a beautiful piece of jewelry.

[@HistoryCalling]

It really is. It's even better when seen in person. It's basically impossible to photograph it properly through glass.

[@kazoolibra7322]

Thank you for this story! I know well the history of margaret douglas, but never knew about this amazing jewel. What a story it tells

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Yes, it works well as a good little intro. into her life and ambitions.

[@Crazy-Cat-Lady-of-CA]

The one issue that Elizabeth probably hated the most was succession. While her sister was Queen, many groups sought to overthrow Mary to put Elizabeth on the throne. That in turn pissed off Mary who then ordered Elizabeth interrogated and eventually ordered to the tower of London. This is one of the reasons why people got sent to the tower, executed, and completely disbarred from the throne (lady Katherine Grey Seymour) during Elizabeth's reign. This is also the reason Elizabeth waited literally the last moment of her life to name James as King of England. This jewelry would have sent Elizabeth through the damn roof had she seen it.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I don't think she would have appreciated the symbolism in the same way we do now, that's for sure :-)

[@colsc55]

I have seen it in Holyrood palace.

[@HistoryCalling]

It's gorgeous isn't it? I stood in front of it for ages trying to get nice shots of it.

[@rockingthemike]

no need to apologize for your photography. i appreciate you including some of your own firsthand content!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I was so relieved to find the book with the pictures though, as my pics just weren't crisp enough to look at the details I wanted to discuss (plus I couldn't photograph the interior of course).

[@roscluaran]

Wow, that was fascinating and wonderful to see. The jewel is gorgeous and the history of it spectacular. Thank you for this enlightening, informative video. I always look forward to your videos as they are very interesting.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. :-)

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

What a beautiful jewel. I’d never heard of it! Can you imagine just walking into a place and ordering that?

[@HistoryCalling]

Sadly not, but then I don't have a royal budget to work with :-)

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

@@HistoryCalling surely not! You’re a queen! ♥️

[@patriciajrs46]

I am sure she commissioned it and had the artist come out and talk to her, possibly, even more than once.

[@Bus_Driver_Jay]

@@patriciajrs46 Oh I would certainly imagine so. When I wrote the post I was on a bit of a post long driving day hyper hit so was being a touch more silly than my usual already silly standards. I wouldn't be surprised if multiple places were tapped as potential. As a side note, is/are the person/people that actually designed and made this exquisite piece known?

[@patriciajrs46]

@@Bus_Driver_Jay Being your silly self is quite alright. Please do carry on.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

This is certainly a unique jewel. I find the history and mystery on this jewel quite intriguing. Sadly this is all we have. One thing that’s certain is the game of thrones that these people played. Yes, I’m using a line from a tv show I just can’t explain it any other way. I hope covid will be a thing of the past soon because I would love to see this jewel for myself. I didn’t know about this jewel until now. Thank you for another great video. Have a great weekend.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Leticia. I hope you get to see it in person too. It's much better than only seeing photos.

[@itsjustme7487]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Simply amazing workmanship. 👏

[@susanhepburn6040]

What a beautiful and intriguing jewel this is, and a superb piece of craftsmanship! I would also suggest that, the family being Catholic, the Pelican is a symbol of Christ and Margaret would have seen this as a symbol of divine favour to the family's claim to the English throne. (There are Catholic prayers in which Christ is referred to as 'Oh Divine Pelican.' This is because pelicans were believed to feed their young with their blood, as you said, so symbolic of Christ giving his blood for humanity.) This must have reinforced Margaret's faith and given her fortitude through all of the family's tribulations. Thank you very much for a most interesting video, so beautifully illustrated throughout.

[@annabanana7298]

Right, I was just reading through the comments before pointing the Pelican = Christ symbol, but Susan has already done so. Great job!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Susan. I'm glad you liked it and that sounds like a great interpretation of the pelican.

[@susanhepburn6040]

@@annabanana7298 Thank you!

[@sallyjune4109]

The phoenix was also a symbol for Christ at that time, because it resurrected from the ashes and also there was always only one.

[@Ceibhfhionn]

Fabulous addition. You can see the “pelican vulning” symbol in older ecclesiastical art like one of the 15th-century ceiling bosses at Southwark Cathedral in London.

[@stephencarrillo5905]

Fascinating; this beautiful example of craftsmanship was totally unknown to me before now. As always, your video peeled away so many layers surrounding the royal intrigues of the time. I felt your photos combined with the illustrations were a high point of your presentation. Your photographic efforts certainly paid off. I've been under the weather with a sore throat for two days and then realized, "History Calling" day! The perfect remedy for what ails me. Thanks, and see you next week. Be well and stay safe.

[@HistoryCalling]

Aww thank you and I hope you feel better soon. I was sick last month (also a throat thing) and it's very unpleasant, so I sympathise.

[@pinkdolly]

This is an exquisite treasure. The intricate storytelling is what makes it especially spectacular!!!

[@kathrynjordan8782]

Margaret Douglas is my 13th Great Grandmother. The design of this jewel is so beautiful. I love how she commissioned this jewel to represent not only her, her husband, their son and grandson. Thank you for this documentary. It's fascinating to me to learn more about my family tree.

[@timw7256]

You're really her descendant?

[@kathrynjordan8782]

@@timw7256 Yes, I am. On my maternal Great grandfather's side of the family

[@DonnaStevens-uo9vp]

Are you in the line of succession to Uk throne?

[@edithengel2284]

@@DonnaStevens-uo9vp I don't think so, I think you have to be a descendant of Sophia of Hanover to be in the succession, as the Stuart line ended with Queen Anne.

[@alliewhitlock621]

I had never even heard of this Jewel before and as soon as I saw the video pop up (as a very new subscriber I was excited to see a new video) I clicked on it. My husband and I will be moving to Edinburgh in September from the us for me to attend the university there. I now have another place to visit once I get there. Thanks for sharing this!

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh you should definitely go see it at the Palace once you're in Edinburgh (the Castle is well worth a visit too). It's beautiful, as is Holyrood Palace in general. Best of luck with the move and congratulations on getting into Edinburgh Uni. It's an excellent, Russell Group university.

[@alliewhitlock621]

@@HistoryCalling I can't wait to visit! I'm get a second Masters in Scottish history and then a PhD in Art history focusing on medieval art so I'm definitely going to be visiting all of the sites as often as I can.

[@HistoryCalling]

That sounds amazing. I'm sure you'll have a blast. Just make sure you pack some warm clothing. Scotland is freezing in the winter (of course for all I know, you're from Alaska and a Scottish winter will be tropical by your standards). :-) I filmed those clips at Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood myself at the end of November though and I couldn't feel my hands!

[@alliewhitlock621]

@@HistoryCalling I'm in Utah, not quite Alaska but still cold. My husband lived in Russia for a couple of years so we're prepped for the cold. The cold and the humidity.... That's a different story.

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh you're gonna be fine. Scotland's got nothing on Russian weather :-)

[@ninedaysqueen301]

As always, wonderful video!

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@SurferJoe1]

I always appreciate how you share your process as a researcher and historian with us, was well as your own thoughts and interpretations. You're such an excellent storyteller.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Joe. Yes, I think it's important to explain how you got to your conclusions and when you don't know something, or aren't sure, to just admit that.

[@SurferJoe1]

@@HistoryCalling When we start going back through several centuries, I ALWAYS want to know how we know what we know, and what questions remain. I've wondered about these things since I was a kid. By making us a part of your process, you show a respect for your audience that really distinguishes you from others.

[@notbill08]

Could the green hunting horn reference that the family were being "hunted" or treated like a dangerous foe that the English throne needed to be rid of?

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh, that's an interesting idea. Maybe. I'd love to know what she was getting at with that little image.

[@a.munroe]

I thought it may have a double meaning that the family were hunters and hunted! Glad I'm not reading into it.

[@lorettabridges7751]

So interesting. The stone says it all.

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. I think so too.

[@keiththorpe9571]

All those hidden meanings in the jewel...Nah, that was just Margaret trolling us all.

[@mysticalgamermom]

I love the fact that it’s a collection of stories in a beautiful piece of jewelry, where we can’t learn from our past if it’s forgotten, immortalize it in gold and jewels.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, it is gorgeous and even more beautiful in person.

[@biggdaddymiller]

I love that jewel it is awesome! I wish I could make something like that! Ummmm……sooooo about James I…….American over here…….could you……possibly do something on him……total respect to you! 😂

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I'd love to. I'm working on the women of the Wars of the Roses at the moment, but maybe I'll intersperse those videos with some Stuart stuff, to give me a bit of variety. I'll see how I go.

[@biggdaddymiller]

@@HistoryCalling Thank you, can’t wait to see it! I mean I guess I will have to wait, but…well…..you know.😊

[@FandersonUfo]

a very risky gamble by the Darnley's - I doubt they would dare any marriage like that in Henry's reign - Elizabeth's words upon hearing the news would be fascinating to have but I don't think they were written down anywhere - that jewel is so beautiful it confused your camera perhaps - ty for a very pretty video

[@HistoryCalling]

Oh I bet she got very sweary! :-)

[@FandersonUfo]

@@HistoryCalling - ya think? - 🤣🛸

[@edithengel2284]

Margaret herself twice dared to pursue marriages of which her uncle Henry disapproved so heartily that he threw her into the Tower each time. Both were gentlemen of the Howard family, one a brother of Katherine Howard. Margaret was not shy.

[@josephc9963]

Truly a magnificent piece of jewelry. I wonder if Margaret Douglas ever showed the interior compartments to others while she was alive, or if they were just something she kept to herself.

[@HistoryCalling]

Good question. Perhaps close family, but I'm just surmising.

[@patrickmcfarland7443]

I just wanted to gracefully add, as much as possible, that the reference to Lennox is not a real Lennox. The Earls of Lennox came upon their position in their modern age that had previously been occupied by the Lennox family who became Gilchrist who then become MacFarlane. These folks go back to the beginnings of time, and were the Kings of Munster once, a long long time ago. They are not gone. Most now are poets and musicians, which is what they kind of started out as to begin with. A Stewart is NOT a Lennox. The last real Lennox to occupy the Earl of Lennox position was Ian MacFarlane. In 1547 the new Earl of Lennox attacked as at the Battle of Pinkie over marrying a kid off to a French monarch. They successfully killed a lot of us, but we are not gone. Thank you. Not trying to be arrogant, but if anyone else has a view on that you know I truly appreciate it. Stewarts are not Lennox's, though.

[@Ceibhfhionn]

What a wild and wonderful creation, and superb research as always from Professor H. Calling.

[@danpictish5457]

My 11th Great Grandfather was Sir James Balfour who was also implicated in the plot to kill Darnley. Oh dear!

[@kathleensmith8365]

Fascinating. The explanation of the symbols really brings the family and its members to life. I wondered if the pelican might also be a religious reference? I have seen it used in Catholic symbolism Christ's sacrifice of himself. Just a thought.

[@davidlancaster8152]

This is one of my favorite gem episodes you've done, therefore I don't mind a repeat at all. YOU are a gem. Thanks for all you do. Lvya much

[@pamstropes8295]

You mentioned a part of the main interior compartment (the lower left) that it looked like they were wearing either kilts or ancient style armour. It was probably ancient style armour as Scots didn't wear kilts till the 18th century.

[@smecclesshwifty8548]

I saw this IRL in 2019. Absolutely stunning.

[@MaatsWorld]

the symbols on the back of this jewel are alchemical, they represent symbolic processes related to the redemption of dark side of the god image, meaning the feminine principle, nature, eros and instinct, for example, all which are underground in the psyche of the collective living under a masculine god image. In the West, the sun represents the ruling masculine principle and the moon its counterpart feminine principle. these are apt images for a monarch whose role is to carry these two archetypal motifs so that their complementary unity remains held together, so to speak, for the entire collective peoples.

[@HistoryCalling]

That's interesting. I wonder if that was Margaret's intent, as that kind of imagery might have been considered anti-Catholic? Hmm...

[@Moebian73]

I shall say this was a charming video of history, beauty & a wee bit stained of blood at the end. I give this video 3 1/2 coronation spoons out of 4. :)

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, thank you. Thankfully that's not real blood though (especially as I stood on it to look at the portrait of Mary I directly above it!)

[@Sienisota]

Phoenix and the bird feeding its young with it's blood, as well as plant reaching towards the sun are my favorite symbols here. All about toughness and not giving up.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, you can definitely see why symbols like that would have appealed to Margaret.

[@cathryncampbell8555]

@@HistoryCalling And of course Elizabeth I was compared to a Phoenix, while Marguerite de Valois-Angouleme adopted the sunflower to describe her relationship to her beloved brother, Francois Ist of France (the 'Sun' to her 'flower'). Plus, Francois I used the salamander as his emblem....

[@MamaKittieKat]

Being a Stuart descendant I love learning about my family history so thank you so much for making this video! I had no idea the pendant even existed!

[@HistoryCalling]

You're very welcome. Always happy to help out on a genealogy quest :-)

[@Lewisluck67]

Our family too! 🥰

[@MamaKittieKat]

@@Lewisluck67 Nice! 🥰 Good to meet u distant relative! Lol

[@linniem5982]

They are all on my family ancestry tree also. ❤

[@MamaKittieKat]

@@linniem5982 I'm sure there's a lot of us! 🥰 Those Catholics liked having babies!!!

[@hollyw9566]

I suspect the little lizard in the sunflower is a salamander.

[@a.munroe]

I'm late but I made it! I really hope this is a preview of more content about Lady Lennox! She was everywhere! Her and Anne Parr probably would have so much to say. If this jewelry is any indication I'd say there's a lot. But I have a feeling that if Margaret Tudor had a say in her descendants fates she probably would have married her daughter to someone with a more advantageous claim because Henry's act of Succession. What really interests me about this era is always the sheer amount of women involved. The men of the time really took a supporting role in politics.

[@HistoryCalling]

No need to worry about the time. I appreciate the views and comments whenever they arrive and you're in a totally different timezone to me as well :-) Yes, the women are fascinating. I'm currently working on a Cecily Neville video due out in a few weeks and she's a real powerhouse as well.

[@a.munroe]

@@HistoryCalling I'm so excited. I can never get enough of the Rose of Raby!

[@andrewwatson3993]

There is a succession of ambitious, brave, clever, female power players through the Plantagenets to the early Tudors. From Eleanor of Aquitaine through to Elizabeth/ Mary.

[@sharonfleming6314]

Wow this is so fascinating 🙂is it really true about the blood stain 😲🙂well done to another brilliant video 👍👍🙂

[@HistoryCalling]

There is a stain there to mark the spot, but it's not original (even the floor isn't original in fact). Thank you :-)

[@terencebennison6275]

Margaret Lennox was certainly an interesting character. I've always wondered how she got on with Mary Queen of scots after Darnleys death! Their must have been some kind of rapprochement, even though Margaret must have hated M.Q.S. because of her 'assumed involvement'in the death of her son! Didn't Margaret and M.Q.S. arrange the marriage of Margaret's youngest son, together with Mary during her stay with 'Bess of Hardwick' ?

[@HistoryCalling]

I believe she was very angry at Mary to begin with, then they made up. I'd need to look into the marriage arrangements in more detail, but yes, that does ring a bell.

[@prarieborn6458]

@@HistoryCalling Here I go again, flashing back to my “studies” about Mary Queen of Scots. I began with Antoniia Fraser’s very long and detailed biography in the early 70’s a long time ago, and there was the BBC tv series “Elizabeth R” back then, too and many movies and historical novels since then. It seems to me that Elizabeth herself sent Darnley to Scotland very early in Mary’s reign, as a rather shrewd political move. She was worried and jealous of the young, vivaious and beautiful Queen, a claimant to the throne of England, Mary’s coat of arms blazoned her claim, although she assured Elizabeth”s ambassador that it had been done by her father in law, the French King at her marriage to the Dauphin. Mary the widowed Queen of France was bound to remarry and Elizabeth did not want her to marry a European prince. She even sent her lover Robin, Earl of Lesister as her choice of husband, Anyway, I digress, wasn’t Bess of Hardwick’s husband Shrewbury, Mary’s jailer at one time during her imprisonment by Elizabeth? The story goes that Elizabeth knew that Darnley was totally unsuitable as a husband because he was debauched, a drunkard and arrogant and violent..He was a very pretty teenage boy but a spoiled brat.But he had a royal pedigree, Mary was so very young herself and impulsive and she took the bait and fell for Darnley. Even though Elizabeth was furious or pretended to be, she had sabotaged the marriage of her rival IDK if she really boasted about it later when Mary lost her throne because of the trouble Darnley caused, or that part was invented by a novelist Margaret and Mary are such tragic figures. both Queens of Scotland, both brought down through marriage, both mothers of Kings, but both ending up prisoners of the English Queen who herself never married. The Darnley-Lennox Jewel ? Wow, it tells the story and then some. I am amazed at the exquisite detail and artistry and complexity, all done in miniature. Thank you for translating the allegory for us. I gained a deeper appreciation for the art form today.I apologize if I have some of the story wrong, History is just my hobby... English medieval history is my favorite, it is like a giantic chess board in living color. Lately the period of the English civil war has caught my interest through the books of Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother. “The Men Who Killed the King” and “To Catch A King” perhaps you would do a piece about King Charles.I , who was beheaded.?

[@karenbergquistdezoma9466]

@@prarieborn6458 George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury was Mary's 'keeper' from 1569 to 1585, the longest period of her captivity. Mary was not a child when she married Darnley. She was 22, which is young, but she had been raised in the French court, one of the most sophisticated in Europe, and had already been married AND was Queen of two countries. The problem with Mary is that she had terrible judgement.

[@cathryncampbell8555]

@@karenbergquistdezoma9466 I wonder whether some of Mary's problems came from the lack of disinterested & capable advisors in Scotland? Elizabeth I had Cecil, Walsingham, Hatton & Leicester. All of those men were dedicated to the proto-Anglican faith & to England. Mary had extremely tribal warlords who cared only for their own wealth & power, in a Scotland ruled more by chieftains than by the monarch. Plus, Mary was raised in France, where monarchy was an entirely different creature....

[@karenbergquistdezoma9466]

@@cathryncampbell8555 I completely agree that Mary had several large strikes against her as a female monarch who had been raised in a court very different from the one she came to preside over. The lack of a good support network of advisors is certainly a problem, but would Mary have listened to them if she had them? The French court was more absolute and monarch focused while, as you pointed out, the Scottish court ran on a more tribal/individualistic basis. Considering herself as a French style monarch, which she undoubtedly did since that was how she was raised, could she have ever really taken advice on ruling from someone who wasn't royalty?

[@katiev9494]

Such a stunning jewel. Finishing up the bio I have on Mary, Queen of Scots and this was mentioned in it

[@HistoryCalling]

It is beautiful. Even better in person in fact.

[@globalheart]

Fascinating in all respects, but I find the hidden compartments to be the most intimate, vignettes of her heart and soul...whereas outer portions reveal external experiences, allegories, and determined hopes for the worldly life. Amazingly bold and brazen for her position...she must've been a very complex thinker and force to be reckoned with!! Love those ingenious compartments though! Have to stare at it longer before I could add any ideas to your amazing efforts.. Lovely story, thank you

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I love the little hidden bits as well. It really is a fantastic jewel. I wish I'd been able to see it opened up in person, but the Royal Collection Trust website has some great images and video of the interior if you're interested. Glad you liked the video :-)

[@bencaspar]

Yes! Love me some Mags Lennox history! I first met her in the lymond chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett. Been a fan ever since.

[@HistoryCalling]

She's certainly a fascinating character.

[@AndriaBieberDesigns]

I have never heard of this jewel before. Thank you for making this video

[@HistoryCalling]

My pleasure 😊

[@vernon2542]

That was very interesting what people can do with simple jewels. When I went to England and up to Scotland back in 2004 I did see the Royal jewels at Edinburgh Castle quite interesting.

[@HistoryCalling]

I actually went to the Castle specifically to get some images and footage that I can use in a video about those jewels as I find their whole history fascinating too. It's in the pipeline :-)

[@linniem5982]

I did the same thing. They are all on my family ancestry tree as well as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. ❤

[@ewanmaxwell3267]

It’s an amazing item. Glad to have seen it myself twice being from the area myself. It makes it seem more real.

[@HistoryCalling]

It really is and it's so much better in person too.

[@HistorySkills]

Cool. I had no idea...

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Glad you like the video :-)

[@scottobryant9733]

First i ever heard about this jewel, but i listen to every video you do I Love your voice and accent

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Scott :-)

[@csh43166]

I am fascinated by artifacts of all types, and their histories. I was not familiar with this piece - so beautifully done! I love the overall heart shape. I think we frequently don't give enough credit to our ancestors for the cleverness of their crafts and proficiency of their skills.

[@HistoryCalling]

I know. They were so clever in some of the things they made and sometimes I think the quality hundreds of years ago was actually better as things were made by hand.

[@csh43166]

@@HistoryCalling Agree!

[@edithengel2284]

Morgan King, in her 2017 book, So High a Blood: The Story of Margaret Douglas, the Tudor That Time Forgot, posits that the jewel was created expressly for King James VI, her grandson, at the time when his step grandfather, Margaret's husband, Matthew Stewart, Earl of Lennox, became his Regent in 1570. I wonder, if the jewel was still in James' son Charles I's possession at the time of the Protectorate, whether it was perhaps sold off, and that's how it eventually ended up in the hands of Horace Walpole.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thank you. What an amazing story this jewel tells. Always look forward to watching your videos

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you :-)

[@davidlancaster8152]

I believe when you first posted this I asked if Anne Lennox was a descendant. Don't think we ever sorted it out. I'm still curious to know. Anybody have info? Awesome gem assembly and story. Thanks so much.🤗

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Awesome. Rita Stuart married Jacob Caldora. Rita aka Margarita's castle is in central Italy in Pacentro. The caldera were rich. The were from Spain. They had no title. Rita was happy in Italy. I can see why. You should do a video on the black pearls of Catherine di medici. Elizabeth 1 was the last one to have them.

[@treans186]

A podcast from you would be perfect!

[@HistoryCalling]

I considered recording these as podcasts actually, but some of them wouldn't work as you really need to be able to see what I'm talking about (this video is a perfect example of that) and also from the admittedly small amount of research I did into it, it seems like there's no money in podcasts unless you can get sponsors. I don't think they do ads the way KZbin does. I could be wrong though.

[@a.munroe]

I agree! I listen everyday while doing my cleaning routines. Also a podcast would probably feel at little more conversational too!

[@topherv4229]

I must have watched this video 2 years ago but saw this again as I have recently discovered that I am a descendant of King James IV with James V being an uncle, and so on. I have a better understanding of WHO Margaret Douglas and Matthew Lennox were, their relationship to the individuals mentioned and the general outlines of their life, so I enjoyed this much more.

[@MK_Nay]

So interesting. I hope to visit Holyrood Palace on my next trip and now I have some background on the jewel which will make seeing it lol the more special. Thank you. And as always, absolutely love your videos! 👏👏👏

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks MK. Yes, do check out the Palace if you get the opportunity. It's beautiful and full of lots of other lovely objects and paintings.

[@jamestnov41945]

Just brilliant thank you. At the end of the presentation you mentioned David Rizzo and he was dragged to this spot and killed. More information please.

[@leighnisbett9691]

The blood stain in the corner is David Rizzo's blood ,every time the floor is replaced the blood stain reappears when no one is about .As the victim of murder is letting everyone know what happens when a jealous husband kills a friend of their wife .

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

The wreath of leaves (probably meant to be laurel) is an ancient sign of victory, more than royalty, which was the diadem.

[@LyneDayes]

Lol!!! Thank you for calling out the fake blood stain on the floor because my audio guide implied the stain was real. I feel bad for those that believe it's real because the floor boards are obviously new and of this age and the "blood" is cherry red😂😂

[@margaretraykestenbaum2471]

The winged heart is part of the Douglas crest and the motto - 'Forward brave heart' referring to when Douglas threw Robert the Bruce's heart in battle towards Jerusalem.

[@DavidGibson-ef3es]

The pelican is also a very common symbol in Catholic iconography, representing the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist as the real presence of Jesus who feeds his disciples with his own body and blood. It would be very strange in my opinion, for the time, that the faith of the person who commissioned the piece would not be a theme incorporated into the design.

[@TexasLadyS]

It looks like a cross between a second grader’s Valentines art project and an 16th century vision board. There is an awful lot going on here!

[@Funnybriton]

This Stuart relic essentially outlines a prophecy that came true. Astounding.

[@Wi-Fi-El]

As an artist, I've always been fascinated with royal relics and crown jewels. Some day I want to make an orb and scepter to put on my mantel

[@justphil84]

It looks like something that would transform me into Sailor Moon! Haha. Great video.

[@TheMawalli128]

Could you pls make a video on the life of Margret Tudor by any chance? Her life seems very eventful

[@deniseroe5891]

Amazing. Glad you put the drawings in, couldn’t really see it in the actual piece

[@eve29eve29]

Hi I wanted to ask in the original image or when you saw the jewel in person did you notice the skin had been etched off, I wasn’t sure ??

[@andreamanning3297]

Oh I was just on a a night time tour of Holyrood Palace and I saw this. I am so looking forward to this. Thank you.

[@leighnisbett9691]

The blood stain reappearing is only remarked by palace of Hollyhood staff members and are never mentioned to non local residents ,unless by a local themselves.

[@jewelsmickey1265]

Really enjoyed this. What jumps out to me is like the jewel is meant to say if the wearer “ This is my heart or like this is me. This is what is in my heart & this is what is behind all of it or this is what a I keep closest to me. Referring to the front, the inside & the back of the piece. Really cool.

[@armymom29]

Hunting horn symbolizes the chase. Maybe the chase for the throne?

[@donnicholas7552]

Interesting video! I did not about this and I learned a lot.

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@RabLennox]

Fascinating

[@kathrynvenart4526]

Noticed that on the front there seems to be parts of two other figures only their bodies and arms but no heads. Their arms extend over the wording on the piece. Very curious.

[@ot1402]

I bet there is no other single piece of jewelry that says, tells, points too, suggests, and is so mysterious as this piece has. I would love to study this wonderful piece of history up close. I’m into detail, craftsmanship, secrets, and the shear genius of this creation. My daughter and I were lucky enough to see some of King Tutankhamen’s burial treasures. I spent hours upon hours studying every piece of these ancient treasures. The exquisite craftsmanship of each piece is unsurpassed. The expertise and ingenuity of such an ancient people is unsurpassed. But I truly would love to see this heart shaped and glory’s masterpiece for myself.

[@HistoryCalling]

It's definitely worth seeing in person (as is the whole of Holyrood Palace in fact). For a better look at it you can also see the Royal Collection Trust's website with photos and images.

[@ot1402]

Thank you.

[@stephanieking4444]

If the jewel was made during the 1570s, then Margaret Lennox was directly challenging Elizabeth I, who was at the time using both the phoenix and the pelican as symbols (there are two well known 1570s portraits of Elizabeth by Hilliard where she wears a phoenix jewel and a pelican jewel. The themes of phoenix and pelican were staples in Elizabeth's representations. There is also a phoenix medal)

[@HistoryCalling]

Hopefully she didn't wear it in front of the Queen. I wouldn't like to annoy Elizabeth :-)

[@grumpynanny7402]

This is such a gorgeous jewel. Thank you. It’s a long time since I have seen it.

[@samanthahayman4539]

Victory holds a palm, rather than an olive branch, that would be peace.

[@robertpizor577]

It is a lovely work of art, but I can't help but wonder why James VI and his descendants never laid claim to it until the days of Queen Victoria as it's such a part of their family history? It's very puzzling to me. Keep up the awesome work!

[@HistoryCalling]

It must have been sold off at some point, though I don't know how exactly it ended up with Walpole. It's possible he was a descendant I suppose, but I'd need to check his family tree.

[@edithengel2284]

@@HistoryCalling I couldn't find any connection to Margaret in Horace Walpole's family. However, Walpole was a great collector of historical oddities of one kind and another (a pair of James I's gloves, a hat of Wolsey's, a lock of Edward IV's hair) so perhaps he just purchased it. But from whom? Margaret could have left it or given it to James VI and I, her grandson, and it thus might have emerged from the collection of the royal family for sale during the Protectorate. Perhaps that is how it got eventually into the hands of Walpole.

[@nathanfisher1826]

Very interesting!! Thank you!

[@HistoryCalling]

My pleasure :-)

[@gisawslonim9716]

That is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. It is a mishmash of colors and shapes and is hideous.

[@michellebruce5092]

Great video I enjoyed it can't wait to see more soon have a great day greetings from Canada 😀

[@jessicalowery3718]

How in earth did they craftsmen out so much tiny detail into this jewel .

[@niemabuggy]

Me: Hey neat, pretty jewelry. *14 minutes later Me: I ... I just thought it was pretty. So much meaning. So much history. *lays down

[@HistoryCalling]

Haha, don't worry. That's pretty much how I felt the first time I read up on it. :-)

[@robertdudley4017]

I knew next to nothing about this amazing jewel, as for the meaning of the inscriptions etc I bow to your superior knowledge, thank you HC superb as you always do. 😊👍

[@HistoryCalling]

Thank you. Glad you liked it :-)

[@robertdudley4017]

@@HistoryCalling always 😊

[@English_Dawn]

Thank you so much for this interesting video. Talking about Stuarts please note this is the time of year we remember the anniversary of the execution of Charles I by jumped-up little politicians. Carolus Rex.

[@HistoryCalling]

It is indeed. Glad you liked the video :-)

[@jayasmith4455]

Brilliant as always, you are the best to listen to when studding

[@HistoryCalling]

Thanks Jaya. Good luck with your studies :-)

[@anthonycalbillo9376]

It's, well.... very busy. But, aside from a watch and school ring, I really don't wear jewelry. So, I wouldn't be a judge of jewelry or art.

[@HistoryCalling]

Yes, I don't think Margaret was going for understated here :-)

[@j0nnyism]

Why’s superman at the top? Didn’t know he was a thing then

[@genericrobin6597]

Fake blood stain? Darn I believed it was real. I want a refund. That room changes so much over the years. At one time they had Mary's needlework on display but when I went it wasn't there and now I know the blood was fake. I feel completely duped. Are the highland cows real or are they just wearing toupees?

[@HistoryCalling]

I'm trying to think if some of her needlework was elsewhere in the room. There were some portraits of her and other family members and I think there was some other jewellery (possibly rosary beads). I have a feeling I saw some of her embroidery on this trip, but I can't remember if it was in that room. Yup, if they had Rizzio's real blood, they'd be screaming it from the rooftops I'm sure. :-)

[@rorygibson5225]

what would this piece be worth if it was sold at auction again today?

[@SparkieGoth]

How clever. Love your channel, by the way. x

[@lizroberts1569]

Margaret was obviously a dangerous woman, not surprised Henry married her off. Her kin died in the way they lived. Interesting jewellery very emblematic of Margaret’s need for power.

[@HistoryCalling]

I think all the Tudors (including those with Tudor blood but different surnames) were a bit dangerous. Not a family to be messed with, that's for sure :-)

[@klaushergersheimer8315]

Another great video, thanks!

[@HistoryCalling]

Glad you enjoyed it! :-)

[@od1452]

Interesting. The drawings do help with clarity. Yep.. I wonder what that thing in the Sunflower is too .. lol.. understanding what it means would be easier for me if I knew what it is ..lol I thought Salamander but it looks more like a worm. : / Thanks again for the enjoyable minutes.

[@HistoryCalling]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it. Yes, that little thing in the leaves is odd.