The Arrival of Mary Queen of Scots, 1568 (Edexcel GCSE History)

Why was the Arrival of Mary, Queen of Scots a Turning Point in Elizabeth’s Reign? - Summary

In the study of History, a turning point is an event that significantly changes the present and future of a civilisation. The identification of turning points helps historians to understand the significance and consequences of events in history. The arrival of Mary, Queen of Scots to England in 1568 was a turning point in Elizabethan history. 

Mary’s rule of Scotland created a complex problem for Elizabeth. To many people in England, Mary’s actions in Scotland were indefensible. The people and nobles of Scotland believed that Mary was abusing her power. When she arrived in England, her reputation was ruined.

Due to the Divine Right [of Kings], Elizabeth strongly believed that Mary was the rightful Queen of Scotland. She condemned the Scottish nobles for prosecuting an anointed monarch. She also reminded her advisers that Mary was a mother. She had given birth to James in June 1566. Elizabeth understood that Mary’s marriage to Lord Darnley was an unhappy one. Darnley was an adulterer, a heavy drinker and lacked interest in his royal duties. He murdered Mary’s Italian secretary, David Rizzio, out of jealousy. 

Historians will never understand the truth behind Mary’s response to the murder of her husband. Mary’s arrival in England defined Elizabeth’s reign. The event challenged her principles of monarchy and family

Murder of Lord Darnley

• In 1565, Mary, Queen of Scots married Henry Stuart (better known as Lord Darnley) 

  • Both Mary and Lord Darnley had claims to the English throne through the Tudor family tree 

  • Elizabeth was unhappy with the union 

    • Elizabeth sought to marry Mary to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. Robert was a favourite in Elizabeth’s court. She believed Robert could control and limit the threat Mary posed

    • Elizabeth reluctantly permitted Lord Darnley to marry Mary

• Mary gave birth to a son, James, in 1566

  • Mary had produced an heir to the Scottish throne. This strengthened Mary’s argument that she should be named Elizabeth’s heir 

  • To English Catholics, Mary was proving her merits as Queen. The unmarried Elizabeth had no intention to have children. If Mary had been Queen of England, she would have secured the line of succession 

• Mary’s reign in Scotland fell apart in 1567 after the murder of Lord Darnley 

Reaction of Scottish Nobles

• Bothwell was not popular amongst the Scottish nobles

  • The nobles believed Bothwell was violent and power-hungry

  • They questioned why Bothwell became Mary’s most trusted adviser after the death of Riccio

  • Even though Bothwell was Protestant, this did not make the nobles support him

• The Scottish nobles wanted to put Bothwell on trial for Darnley’s murder

  • Bothwell’s supporters intimidated the court until the judge acquitted him of murder

• The Scottish nobles felt outraged about the speed in which Mary married Bothwell

  • Historians have debated if Bothwell forced Mary into the marriage or whether she saw the political benefits of marrying Bothwell

• On 15th June 1567, the Scottish nobles declared a civil war on Mary

  • They wanted Mary to abdicate the Scottish throne and admit her guilt in the murder of Darnley

• The nobles captured Mary at Carberry Hill outside Edinburgh

  • The Scottish nobles paraded Mary through the streets of Edinburgh

  • She was later imprisoned in Lochleven Castle. The castle was on an island in the middle of a loch

• On 24th July 1567, the Scottish nobles forced Mary to abdicate

  • Her 13-month-old son, James, became the King of Scotland

  • The Scottish nobles took responsibility for James’ education

• Mary escaped from Lochleven Castle on 2nd May 1568

  • She attempted to raise an army to win back the throne

• On 13th May 1568, the Battle of Langside near Glasgow saw the defeat of Mary’s army

Mary's Escape From Scotland

• After Mary’s defeat at the Battle of Langside, Mary decided to flee Scotland

  • Immediately after the battle, Mary travelled south

• She reached England by fishing boat on 16th May

  • By 18th May, local officials found Mary and took her to Carlisle Castle

• Mary had not given up hope of regaining her Scottish throne

  • She believed that Elizabeth would help her defeat the Scottish nobles

Causes and Consequences of Mary’s Arrival in England