Teaching Pack

Mary Queen of Scots

Linked to Falkland Palace

Mary Queen of Scots

Contents
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Teachers Notes: Historical Background

The Background to Marys Story - The Auld Alliance - The Reformation The Life of Mary Queen of Scots Topic Overview 16th Century Life Glossary

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35 37 41 47 50

Teaching Material
5-14 Links Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities Questions for Pupils A Royal Visit to Falkland Palace - Spring 1562 How to make sheets

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Images

Many thanks to J. Donald, A. Innes, K. Milne & E. Naysmith for their help with this pack whilst on an Excellence in Education through Business Links teacher placement

Mary Queen of Scots

The Background to Marys Story

The Auld Alliance
The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France was the result of English military aggression against both countries. When Edward I was on the Throne of England, John Balliol of Scotland and Philip IV of France drew up an offensive and defensive alliance, which became a treaty in 1295. The terms of the treaty were that if England attacked either country, then the other country would invade English territory. Although the main purpose of the treaty was military protection from England, the treaty granted dual citizenship in both countries, and many Scots took paid work as mercenaries in the French army. The dual citizenship meant that the treaty also affected every day lives by influencing architecture, law, spoken language and cuisine, for example the Scots word haggis comes from the French hache which means mince meat. The treaty was strengthened by royal marriages between the two countries, for example King James V married Princess Madelaine of France and later Mary of Guise, and Mary Queen of Scots married the Dauphin Francis. In 1560, after more than 250 years, the treaty was officially ended when Scotland signed the Treaty of Edinburgh. This allied Scotland with England and declared Scotland to be a Protestant country.

The Reformation
The Reformation started in 1517 when a German monk rejected all of the church practices that were not written in the Bible. He made a protest by nailing his 95 Thesis to a church door, and the religious movement that followed was known as Protestantism after this protest. Reformation split the Church into Catholic and Protestant religions, both of which claimed to be the true road to salvation (going to heaven instead of hell).

The Reformation in Scotland

At this time the rulers of a country decided which religion the people would follow, and those who did not follow this chosen religion could be punished or even killed. The Church was central to everyday life, providing education, health, welfare and discipline. Following the correct religion also ensured salvation. It was therefore very important to the people of Scotland that the Scottish rulers chose the right religion to follow.

Mary Queen of Scots

King James V tried to stop people from reading Protestant texts, but the Protestant message spread quickly and made a strong impression on many people. Henry VIII of England converted to Protestantism, but James V remained Catholic. King James V died in 1542, leaving Mary to be Queen of Scots at just 6 days old. Both England (Protestant) and France (Catholic) pursued this opportunity to gain power of the Scottish throne by marrying the young Queen to a royal from their country. The French succeeded and Mary left for France when she was 6 years old, with a promise that she would marry the Dauphin Francis (eldest son of the French King). Marys mother, Mary of Guise, was a devout Catholic and ensured that her daughter was brought up to follow her beliefs. James Hamilton, Earl of Arran, became the Guardian of the Realm (regent) to rule in Marys name until she was of age to rule herself. He strongly favoured the new Protestant movement, but Scotland remained Catholic. Mary of Guise took the role of Regent for Scotland in 1554. Although there was little persecution of Protestants in Scotland, Patrick Hamilton became the first Scottish Protestant martyr when he was executed in 1528. Many Protestants fled Scotland never to return. One who did return was George Wishart who, on his return in 1546, was captured and executed on the command of Cardinal Beaton. This led to a rebellion by Protestant Lairds who assassinated Beaton and seized St Andrews Castle. They expected help from the English, but the French arrived and took the castle. The French took some of the rebels as slaves to work at the oars of French galleys, including John Knox who became an important figure in the Reformation. John Knox returned to Scotland in 1559 (following 19 months as a galley slave and years in exile in both England and Frankfurt) and preached against idolatry. The rebellion that followed led to the destruction of Catholic icons, cathedrals and abbeys. Mary of Guise successfully portrayed the group as rebels, but they answered by justifying the rebellion as an attempt to free Scotland from French power rather than a religious rebellion. A clause in the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots to the Dauphin Francis was that France would rule Scotland, and Scots did not want to lose their independence. Mary of Guise died in June 1560, and the English sent troops to support Scotland against attack by French troops. By this time, the majority of the nobility supported the rebellion and a provisional government was established. The Scottish Parliament renounced the Popes authority and Catholic Mass was declared illegal. Scotland was now officially Protestant. Mary, a Catholic, returned to Scotland in 1561. She announced that she would allow Protestants to continue to worship as they liked, although she remained Catholic. John Knox, who was now the leader of the Protestant Church, did not like Mary at all. The religious conflict that continued had a significant influence on the events that occurred in Marys life.

Mary Queen of Scots

The Life of Mary Queen of Scots

Marys Parents The Rough Wooing Marys Life in France Arrival at Leith Marys Life in Scotland Marriage to Lord Darnley a Second Husband The Murder of Riccio (Rizzio) The Murder of Lord Darnley Mary and the Earl of Bothwell Escape from Lochleven Castle Mary and Elizabeth The Caskett Letters Imprisonment The Babington Plot Trial and Execution of Mary Union of the Crowns

Mary Queen of Scots Marys Parents

Marys father was King James V of Scotland and her mother was Mary of Guise. Mary of Guise was James second wife, his first wife, Princess Madeleine of France, died of tuberculosis only 7 weeks after arriving in Scotland. James V married Mary of Guise in 1538. They had two sons but both died in infancy within hours of each other in 1541, before Mary was born. At this time there was religious unrest, known as the Reformation. James uncle, King Henry VIII of England, had broken with the Catholic church and wanted James to do the same. James failed to attend a meeting about this with his uncle in 1542, which made Henry very angry so he launched an invasion of Scotland. Already ill, James marched south with his army, but they were defeated at the battle of Solway Moss on 24th November 1542. Although he was not present at the actual battle, the defeat made James even more ill. He returned to Falkland Palace in Fife and went to bed with a high fever. When a message came to him that his wife had given birth to a daughter instead of the hoped-for son, James believed that the Stewart dynasty was at an end and he said It cam wi a lass and it will gang wi a lass. The crown had come to his family through Marjorie Bruce and he feared that a woman could not rule his nation. King James V died 6 days later and Mary became Queen of Scotland.

The Rough Wooing

When King James V of Scotland died, Mary, at just 6 days old, became the Queen of Scotland. Both England and France wished Mary to marry a Royal from their country to gain control over Scotland. At this time there was also religious unrest, known as the Reformation, and England was Protestant and France was Catholic. Marys great-uncle, Henry VIII of England, wanted Mary to marry his son Edward, hoping that this would unite Scotland and England. Some Scottish nobles arranged a marriage treaty with Henry. However, many Scots opposed the treaty and broke the agreement. Henry was furious. He resorted to force and made many attacks on Scotland. Scotland had an alliance with France, the Auld Alliance, and so French troops helped the Scots to fight the English. Because of these attacks the courtship was known as the Rough Wooing. Mary was taken to Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Mentieth for her own safety. Eventually the French won, and it was agreed that Mary would marry the Dauphin (eldest son of the French King) Francis. Mary left for France when she was 6 years old. 6

Mary Queen of Scots

So who ruled Scotland?
When a countrys monarch cannot rule (in this case because Mary was a child) a regent rules the country in their place. On the death of King James V in 1542 the Earl of Arran was appointed as regent. Marys mother, Mary of Guise, stayed in Scotland when Mary went to France and became regent in 1554.

Marys Life in France

Mary was brought up with the children of King Henri II of France in magnificent royal palaces. She became very close to Princess Elisabeth.

Marys Education
Mary was educated in France. She learned to speak French, Italian, Spanish and Latin. She was also taught to sew, write poetry and to play musical instruments. Her writing was clear and done quickly. Her excellence in singing arose from a natural, not acquired, ability to vary her voice. She played the harp and harpsichord. Being very agile she danced admirably.. Several tapestries worked by her with wonderful skill can still be seen in France. Quote by a historian. While in France Mary enjoyed riding and hunting in the French countryside.

A Religious Upbringing
Marys mother was a Catholic and she ensured that Mary was brought up as a Catholic. At this time there was religious unrest known as the Reformation, and some countries became Protestant. France, however, was a Catholic country. Mary remained a devout Catholic throughout her life.

Marriage to the Dauphin

At the age of fifteen Mary married the Dauphin, Francis. The wedding took place on 24th April 1558 in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Mary was very fond of white and insisted on wearing white for her wedding, even though white was considered to be the colour of mourning in France at this time. A description of her appearance reads: Mary was dressed in a robe as white as lilies. Her immensely long train was borne by two young girls. She glittered like a goddess with diamonds round her neck and on her head a golden crown garnished with pearls and rubies and one huge carbuncle. Fraser. 7

Mary Queen of Scots

The ceremony was a marvellous occasion: Heralds cry Largesse three times and throw to the people a great number of gold and silver pieces. There was such a tumult and cry among the people that one could not hear so great was the clamour. Some throw themselves upon others for the greed which they have. Breire, Discours

Afterwards, the celebrations continued at the Louvre Palace: First came the little princes and their friends dressed in cloth of silver and gold with precious stones and jewels. They sang with instruments in praise of the newly married couple. Then came six ships covered with cloth of gold and crimson velvet: the sails of silver linen. Below each sail were seats for two people. Sitting there was a prince or nobleman. Having made several turns round the ball-room each pilot took in the passing any lady he fancied and sailed through the hall. Briere, Discours

The Queen of Scotland and France

In 1559, a year after her marriage, Marys father-in-law, King Henri, died. Mary became Queen of Scotland and France.

The Young Widow

Marys reign of France was brief, in 1560 Francis became ill and died. Mary was a young widow and no longer ruled France. Marys mother, Mary of Guise, also died in 1560. Mary made the decision to return to Scotland in 1561. She wrote this poem to express her feelings: Farewell my beautiful France, my dearest homeland, Who has cared for me during my childhood, Farewell France! Goodbye to happy days! The ship which is breaking up our love for each other Carries only half of me As for the other part of me, it will remember you always Adieu, Adieu.

Mary Queen of Scots Arrival at Leith

Mary arrived home to Scotland on the 18th August 1561. They sailed into Leith harbour at about 9 oclock in the morning. The place was thick with mist and no one had expected her to arrive so soon. John Knox, the leader of the Protestant Church wrote, The mist was so thick and so dark. The sun was not seen to shine two days before nor two days after. He said that it was a bad omen. Some people believe that there may have been an eclipse of the sun on that day. Mary had arrived sooner than expected and so, as the royal party disembarked, Mary was greeted by a relatively small crowd of people and a few officials. The Queen, dressed in mourning but accompanied by her colourfully dressed party, posed the local officials with a dilemma. They had no idea where to take her or what to do with her. So Lambs House, the house of local merchant Andrew Lamb, was used for her to rest while messages were sent to Edinburgh. Mary then travelled to Holyrood House. She rode there in a grand procession. The way was lined with a cheering crowd. The people of the town performed plays and made speeches to welcome her. A person who saw this scene wrote: .. there was a pageant: a number of boys singing and playing on instruments. One of them came down in a cloud and delivered the Queen the keys of the town.

Marys Life in Scotland

At this time the Royal Court travelled around the country, staying at royal residences such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace and Traquair House. The Royal Court was quite a large group of people, it not only included Royals and nobles, but also a large number of servants who provided for their needs, there could be up to 100 people living and working in a residence such as Falkland Palace. The four Marys also travelled with Mary. Mary Beaton was no doubt happy to return to Falkland Palace as her father was the hereditary keeper of Falkland and she could spend some time with her family. Each royal residence had a hereditary keeper, whose job was to look after the buildings and estate while the royal court was away. He also had to make sure that it was ready when they came to stay. On hunting estates the keeper would also have to make sure that the hunting stock was protected if someone was caught poaching on a royal estate then they were hung!

Mary Queen of Scots

There were a number of reasons why the royal court needed to move from one place to another. At this time communication from one place to another was slow, messages were carried by a messenger on horseback. To rule effectively the royal court needed to travel around the country meeting with lairds and other officials. Another reason to move was that hygiene was poor, there were no flushing toilets and with so many people staying in one place it tended to get a bit smelly after a while! Moving from one place to another was quite a task as not only people moved, they also took their belongings all carried by horse and cart! Their baggage train could consist of 12 carts for the Queen, 12 carts for Lord Darnley, plus carts for all of the courtiers. They would bring their beds, bedding, tapestries, tables, chairs, gold and silver plate, boxes of spices, horses, hunting dogs, hunting equipment, all their clothes and bales of cloth. Mary had a very active life and loved horse riding and dancing. She also enjoyed hunting and spent time at Falkland Palace hunting game. Mary also enjoyed sport and would play royal tennis when at Falkland, she was the first woman to play golf, which she did at St Andrews.

Marriage to Lord Darnley A Second Husband

Mary had to marry again to have a child who would be heir to the Scottish throne. John Knox was worried she might marry a Catholic prince. Many princes, lords and nobles wanted to marry Mary. She met her cousin Lord Darnley. Darnley made every effort to charm Mary by dancing and singing and generally taking part in all the courtly pursuits. He was tall, ambitious and good looking. Mary immediately fell in love with him. They were married on Sunday 29th July 1565 in Holyrood House. Few people approved of her choice. Elizabeth I of England saw this marriage as Marys attempt to strengthen her claim on the English throne because Darnley had English royal blood in his veins.

An Unsuitable Marriage
It soon became clear that Mary had made a mistake by marrying Darnley. He was rude, proud and lazy. It became obvious that Darnley had married Mary just to get the throne. Mary gave him title of King but kept all the real power to herself and he resented this. However, she soon became pregnant.

The Murder of Riccio (Rizzio)

Lord Darnley was jealous of Marys friend, David Riccio, who was also her advisor. Mary began to spend a lot of time with Riccio. Lord Darnley and his friends plotted to murder him. 10

Mary Queen of Scots

In March 1566, Mary had just begun supper with David Riccio and some friends in Holyrood House when they heard a noise. Darnley came into her room with Lord Ruthven and the other plotters. Lord Ruthven entered the room dressed in armour. David Riccio was frightened and hid behind Mary but they pulled him out and stabbed him. He was then dragged away screaming and was stabbed fifty-six times outside the room. He died from his wounds. Mary and Darnleys son, James, was born 3 months later on 19th June 1566.

The Murder of Lord Darnley

Lord Darnley was murdered a few months after his son was born. The murder is still a mystery. Lord Darnley was recovering from an illness at a house at Kirk o Field, near Edinburgh. Mary nursed him for a few days but one evening she left him and went out. Soon after she left the house was blown up. The Earl of Bothwell sent messengers to find out what had happened. They found Darnley and his servant dead in the garden. Witnesses said that they heard Darnley pleading for mercy. He appeared to have been strangled. We still do not know who killed Darnley, though at the time some people believed that Mary was involved. Others believed that the Earl of Bothwell and other conspirators had planned to blow up the house and that Mary was not involved. Bothwell was asked many questions by the Scottish Parliament, but he was not accused of the killings. Mary began to rely on Bothwell more and more.

Mary and the Earl of Bothwell

Mary was now very unpopular. Many people believed that she was involved in the murder of Lord Darnley. It did not help that Mary did not behave like a grieving widow she was seen playing golf at St Andrews only days after Darnleys death. The Earl of Bothwell divorced his wife and, only 3 months after Darnleys murder, Mary married Bothwell. This shocked the Scottish people. Mary and Bothwells wedding was a solemn, Protestant service, which took place at Holyrood on May 15th 1567. Some people believe that Mary was forced to marry Bothwell. The Protestant nobles now united against Mary and Bothwell. The nobles eventually met Mary and Bothwells army at the Battle of Carberry on 15th June 1567. Mary surrendered, her troops deserted her and Bothwell fled! Mary was taken as a prisoner to Lochleven Castle.

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Mary Queen of Scots

Bothwells Fate
Bothwell was captured and imprisoned in the Danish fortress of Drasholm. His end was rather gruesome. He was chained to a pillar half his height so that he could not stand upright, and was left in his own filth for 10 years until he died, an insane man.

Escape from Lochleven Castle

Mary was placed in a cramped tower in Lochleven Castle, situated on an island in Loch Leven. Mary was afraid that she would now be killed, she was forced to abdicate and her son, James, was crowned King of Scotland. Whilst at Lochleven Mary miscarried the Earl of Bothwells twins. They were buried on the island. Mary tried to escape once by dressing up as the washerwoman who delivered laundry to the castle, but the boatman recognised her hands, which were well known for their elegance and whiteness. However, with help from Willie Douglas, a servant at the castle, her second attempt at escape was successful. This is what the ambassador from Venice wrote of the event: Guard was continually kept in the castle, day and night, except during supper when the gate was locked with a key which lay on the table where the governor took his meals. The Queen planned that a page (Willie Douglas) would place a napkin on the top of the key and then remove both without anyone noticing. When he had done this they went to the Queen and told her everything was ready. Mary, disguised in servants clothes, escaped to a waiting boat and reached the shore safely, where an ally of Marys, George Douglas, was waiting. Mary managed to raise an army but was defeated by her Scottish enemies. In desperation she fled to England and appealed to Queen Elizabeth I of England for help.

So who ruled Scotland?

The infant, James VI, was now King of Scotland. He was too young to rule and so a regent was appointed to rule the country in his place. The Earl of Moray was the first regent appointed during James VI childhood. He was succeeded by the Earl of Lennox (1570-1571), the Earl of Mar (1571-1572) and the Earl of Morton (1572-1581).

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Mary Queen of Scots Mary and Elizabeth

Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII of England and Anne Boleyn. She was the granddaughter of Henry VII. Mary, daughter of King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise, was also related to the English royal family as she was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII. Elizabeth was a Protestant and Mary was a Catholic. Some Catholics did not accept the marriage of Elizabeths parents because this was a Protestant wedding. They thought that Mary, a Catholic who was related to the English royal family, should be queen instead of Elizabeth. Elizabeth did not have children of her own so if she died then Mary would become Queen of England. This would also make England a Catholic country again. This worried Elizabeth and she thought that Marys supporters might try to kill her. Elizabeth and Mary never met. Some people think that this is because Elizabeth did not want to be compared unfavourably to the beautiful Mary.

The Casket Letters

An investigation took place in York in 1568 to enquire into Marys involvement in Darnleys murder. The Earl of Moray (who was the Scottish regent at this time) produced some letters that he claimed had been written by Mary. These were known as the Casket Letters. These letters appeared to prove that Mary had been involved in plotting the murder. Mary was not allowed to give evidence in person. As a result of this enquiry Mary was kept prisoner by Queen Elizabeth I of England. These letters no longer exist and it was later decided that they were forgeries.

Imprisonment
Mary was kept prisoner in a number of different castles and grand houses, such as Tutbury Castle and Chatsworth House, for nearly 19 years. Her gaoler for 16 of those years was the Earl of Shrewsbury. Elizabeth treated Mary well but always had her guarded carefully. During her years of imprisonment Mary had her own servants including a physician and a secretary. She enjoyed embroidery, played cards, had visitors and kept pets. Mary was also allowed to go on supervised horse rides in the countryside. Whilst imprisoned at 13

Mary Queen of Scots

Chatsworth House she was fascinated by local caves, and one group of stalactites is called Queen Marys Pillar, allegedly named so by Mary Seaton. Unfortunately Mary suffered from poor health. She longed for freedom and to be reunited with her son. Marys friends plotted to set her free and restore her to the Scottish throne. However, Elizabeth had spies keeping an eye on Mary and always found out about the plans. One of these plots to free Mary involved the Duke of Norfolk who wanted to marry Mary. He was executed when Elizabeth found out about the plot because he had planned to put Mary on the English throne in Elizabeths place. However, Elizabeth refused to order Marys death without definite proof that Mary was involved in the plot.

The Babington Plot

As a result of the numerous plots to free Mary, Marys gaoler did not allow her to communicate by letter. In 1585 Mary found a way to smuggle letters in and out of Chartley Hall (her prison at the time) in a beer barrel. A Catholic Englishman, Sir Anthony Babington, used this to send messages to Mary. In these letters he suggested that Queen Elizabeth I should be killed, the Catholic religion restored in England and Mary become Queen of England. Mary agreed to this plot by letter. It was a trick set up by Elizabeths spy master, Sir Francis Walsingham. Every letter was copied and Walsingham now had all the evidence he needed to convict Mary of treason.

The Trial and Execution of Mary

Mary was put on trial for high treason and found guilty on 15th October 1586. Elizabeth was still reluctant to sign the death warrant for Mary, she was worried about what other countries would think of her if she ordered Marys execution. However, her councillors pressured her and she signed the order in February 1587. The night before her execution Mary wrote an elaborate will in which all of her servants were remembered. On the 8th February 1587 Mary was beheaded at the Great Hall of Fotheringhay Castle. She was dressed in black with a white veil. She had a chain around her neck and beads at her waist. She carried a crucifix and a writing book.

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Mary Queen of Scots

Mary was led to the scaffold and prayers were read. Mary removed her dress to reveal a red petticoat. She was blindfolded. Mary was very composed when she laid her head on the block. After three blows of the axe Mary was dead. The executioner held her head up to the crowd in the hall. The head fell to the ground, leaving him holding a wig Marys real hair was thin and grey. Marys dog was found hiding under her skirts, covered in Marys blood. Later the dog died as it refused to eat. Marys clothes, crucifix and writing book, along with the executioners block, were all burned in the courtyard at Fotheringhay Castle. This was so that there were no relics relating to the execution. Mary's body was embalmed and incarcerated in a heavy lead coffin which remained unburied in Fotheringhay Castle until 30th July 1587. It was taken from here, in the dead of night for fear of public protest, to Peterborough Cathedral.

Union of the Crowns

Queen Elizabeth I of England died in 1603. She had no children. This meant that Marys son, James VI of Scotland, also became James I of England, thus uniting the crowns of Scotland and England. The two parliaments, however, remained separate. James had Marys body moved to Westminster Abbey, the traditional burial ground for kings and queens. While in captivity Mary embroidered the words In my End is my Beginning. Marys family line continued through James. When she embroidered these words did she know how true they would become?

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Mary Queen of Scots

Topic Overview
Summary of Marys Life People Important to Marys Story The Four Marys Timeline of Key Events Family Tree Kings and Queens of Scotland

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Mary Queen of Scots The Life of Mary Queen of Scots

1542 Mary was born in Linlithgow in 1542. Her father was James V of Scotland, and her mother was Mary of Guise. Her father died at Falkland Palace, Fife, when Mary was only 6 days old this made baby Mary the Queen of Scotland. When Mary was 6 years old she was sent to France to be educated. Mary Beaton, Mary Seaton, Mary Livingston and Mary Fleming went with her to France. The four Marys became her life-long friends and companions. Mary married Francis, the eldest son of Henri II, King of France, when she was 15 years old. After the death of Henri II in a jousting accident, Mary and Francis became the King and Queen of France. Mary was widowed at the age of 18. Mary returned to Scotland. Mary ruled Scotland for 4 years, travelling the country. She stayed at many of the great palaces including Falkland Palace in Fife. Mary married her cousin, Lord Darnley. Marys musician, David Riccio, was murdered in front of Mary at Holyrood Palace. Mary gave birth to a son who later became King James VI. Lord Darnley was murdered in February. Mary married the Earl of Bothwell 3 months later. A few months later Mary was taken prisoner by some of her subjects (people who were living under her rule) and was kept in Lochleven Castle. Mary was forced to abdicate, and her 13-month-old son was crowned King James VI of Scotland. Mary never saw her son again. The Earl of Bothwell fled to leave Mary to her fate. Mary escaped and went to her cousin, Elizabeth I of England. Elizabeth kept Mary prisoner in different castles in England for 19 years Mary plotted with many of her supporters to escape but never succeeded. Mary was executed at Fotheringhay Castle. Marys son, James VI of Scotland, who was now James I of England, had her body taken to Westminster Abbey.

1548

1558 1560 1560 1561

1565 1566

1567

1568

1587 1612

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Mary Queen of Scots People Important to Marys Story

James V: Marys father, who died 5 days after her birth. Mary of Guise: Marys mother, sister of the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorraine. Regent of Scotland from 1554-1560. Also referred to in some texts as Mary de Guise or Marie de Guise. Henri II of France: Marys father-in-law, who died as a result of a jousting accident. Also referred to in some texts as Henry II of France. Catherine de Medici, Queen of France: Marys mother-in-law. Francis II: Marys first husband. Mary Fleming: Lady-in-waiting, daughter of Lady Fleming. Mary Seaton: Lady-in-waiting, daughter of Marie Pieris a ladyin-waiting to Mary de Guise. Mary Beaton: Lady-in-waiting, daughter of Robert Beaton, the hereditary keeper of Falkland Palace. Mary Livingstone: Lady-in-waiting, daughter of Marys guardian, Lord Livingstone. She remained Marys lifelong friend and companion. Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley: Marys cousin and second husband. David Rizzio or Riccio: Italian musician who became Marys friend and confidante. Murdered by Scottish Lords. James VI: Mary and Darnleys son. James, Earl of Bothwell: Marys third husband. Willie Douglas: The boy who helped Mary escape from Lochleven Castle. John Knox: Major figure in the Reformation movement in Scotland, who did not like Mary. Queen Elizabeth I of England: Kept Mary prisoner for 19 years and finally ordered her execution.

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Mary Queen of Scots The Four Marys

The four Marys were Marys ladies-in-waiting (a lady who attends a princess or queen). They were Mary Beaton, Mary Seaton, Mary Fleming and Mary Livingston, and were about the same age as Mary Queen of Scots. The four Marys were brought up as the Queens playmates at the Priory of Inchmahome, and sailed for France with Mary when she left in 1548. They returned to Scotland with Mary in 1561. The four Marys remained close friends of Mary until her death. Mary Beaton was the eldest daughter of Robert Beaton of Creich, the Hereditary Keeper of Falkland Palace in Fife. Her mother, Jeanne de Gresnoir had been a French lady-inwaiting of Mary of Guise. She was born in 1542. Mary Beaton married Alexander Ogilvie in 1566. They had three sons. Mary Seaton was the only daughter of George 6th Lord Seaton, by his second wife, Marie Pieris, who had come to Scotland as one of Mary of Guises maids of honour. She was born in 1541. Mary Seaton was allowed to join the Queen when she was at Lochleven and helped Mary to escape. Mary Seaton never married and so was the only one to stay with the Queen whilst she was held in captivity in England. Mary Flemings grandfather was James IV, and her grandmother was one of his mistresses. Mary was one of 6 children of Lord Fleming and his wife, Janet. She was born in 1542. Mary Fleming married William Maitland of Lethington, then after his death married George Meldrum of Fyvie. Mary Livingston was the eldest daughter of Alexander 5th Earl of Livingston and Lady Agnes Douglas. She was born in 1540. Her family home was Callander House near Falkirk. Mary Livingston was the first of the four Marys to marry when she married John Sempill of Beltress in 1565. John Sempill was in attendance of the Queen when Riccio was murdered.

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Mary Queen of Scots Timeline of Key Events

1503 1512 1513 1517 1528 1536 1537 1538 1542 1542 1542 1548 1546 1546 1554 1558 1559 1559 1560 1561 1560 1560 1560 1561 1565 1566 1567 1567 1567 1567 1567 1570 1571 1572 1585 1587 1603 1617 James IV marries Margaret Tudor of England James V is born King James IV is killed at the battle of Flodden Field The Reformation begins, splitting the Church into Catholic and Protestant Patrick Hamilton is burned at the stake as a heretic King James V marries Madeleine of France Madelaine of France dies King James V marries Mary of Guise Mary Queen of Scots is born King James V dies Earl of Arran becomes Regent of Scotland Mary sails for France George Wishart is executed Cardinal Beaton is killed in retaliation for the execution of George Wishart Mary of Guise (a Catholic) becomes Regent of Scotland Mary Queen of Scots marries Francis II of France Francis II becomes King of France, with Mary Queen of Scots as his Queen John Knox returns to Scotland Treaty of Berwick between England and Scotland Treaty of Edinburgh concluded the Anglo/Scottish pact Latin Mass is prohibited in Scotland Mary of Guise dies Francis II dies Mary Queen of Scots returns to Scotland Mary marries Lord Darnley James VI is born Lord Darnley is murdered Mary marries the Earl of Bothwell Mary is taken prisoner Mary abdicates to her son, James VI The Earl of Moray becomes Regent of Scotland The Earl of Lennox becomes Regent of Scotland The Earl of Mar becomes Regent of Scotland The Earl of Morton becomes Regent of Scotland James VI begins to rule Scotland Mary Queen of Scots is executed by order of Elizabeth I of England Elizabeth I of England dies and James VI becomes James I of England James makes his only return to Scotland

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Mary Queen of Scots Stewart & Tudor Family Tree

King Henry VII of England m Elizabeth of York

Henry VIII had six wives.

King Henry VIII of England

King James IV of Scotland

m(i) Margaret Tudor m(ii) 6th Earl of Angus

King James V of Scotland m(i) Madeleine of France m(ii) Mary of Guise

Lady Margaret m Earl of Lennox Douglas

King Edward VI of England

Queen Mary of England

Queen Elizabeth I of England

Francis II of France m(i) Mary Queen of Scots

m(ii)

Lord Darnley

King James VI of Scotland & I of England

Key: m(i) = first marriage m(ii) = second marriage

Lord Darnley was Marys cousin (King James V and Lady Margaret Douglas had the same mother) as well as her second husband.

Henry VIII wanted Mary to marry Edward VI Englands part of the Rough Wooing

Elizabeth I had Mary imprisoned and ordered her execution.

All of King Henry VIII of Englands legitimate children died childless.

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Kings and Queens of Scotland

House of Bruce 1306 1329 1329 1371 Robert I David II

House of Stewart/ Stuart 1371 1390 Robert II 1390 1406 Robert III 1406 1437 James I 1437 1460 James II 1460 1488 James III 1488 1513 James IV 1513 1542 James V 1542 1567 Mary 1567 1625 James VI [Note: The Union of the Crowns in 1603 made James VI James I of England] 1625 1649 Charles I 1649 1660 Britain at this time was a commonwealth 1660 1685 Charles II 1685 1688 James VII (James II of England) 1688 1649 William III and Mary II (jointly) 1649 1702 William III (alone) 1702 1714 Anne

House of Hanover
1714 1727 1727 1760 1760 1820 1820 1830 1830 1837 1837 1901 George I George II George III George IV William IV Victoria

House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
1901 1910 Edward VII

House of Windsor
1910 1936 1936 1936 1952 1952 today George V Edward VIII George VI Elizabeth I (Elizabeth II of England)

Mary Queen of Scots

16th Century Life

Life in a Royal Burgh Life in Falkland Palace Trade Transport Housing Sanitation Clothing Food Types of Food Pastimes

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Mary Queen of Scots Life in a Royal Burgh

Towns at this time formed separate, independent communities who had very little to do with each other, except on annual market and fair days when they came together to trade. Burghs, such as Falkland, were special. Only the king or queen could make a town a burgh. This was a great honour as it meant special privileges for the inhabitants. One of these privileges was to be able to trade with any other town. There were very strict rules as to what different classes of people were allowed to do. The two main classes were known as Freemen and Unfreemen. Only freemen could follow a trade or craft. However, they did have to pay for this privilege. They had to take turns doing watch duties, patrolling the streets at night to make sure that all was safe. They had to have full battle equipment ready to be able to fight for their King or queen, and were heavily fined if caught without it. Unfreemen spent their days farming their plots of land, trying to grow enough for their families to live on throughout the year and looking after any animals they owned. They were obliged to grind their corn at the public mill, which was owned by the local laird or by the local monastery. Even though they were forced to use these mills they had to pay for doing so, paying a tithe or tenth of the corn they took to the mill. Life in the burgh started at sunrise and ended at sunset. If people went out when it was dark they had to carry a light to show the watchman on duty that they were not up to any mischief. Carrying a light was also important as the streets were uneven and there was no form of street lighting to show people the way in the dark.

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Mary Queen of Scots Life in Falkland Palace

Entering the Palace
Heavy wooden doors guarded the entrance to Falkland Palace. There was a guards room at the side of the doors, with small windows that could be used for defence if needed. There is a very small room underneath the guards room which may have been used as a prison or holding cell for people awaiting trial in the great hall.
Windows of the guards room

Entertainment and Business

The great hall was the largest room at Falkland Palace, it is not complete today because of damage caused by Cromwells troops. The great hall was used for entertaining, eating, and for discussing business or conducting trials. The large fireplace provided heat for the room. Tapestries may have been hung on the walls, and rushes would have covered the floor.
The great hall Fireplace in the great hall

Cooking
The kitchen for Falkland Palace was under the great hall so that food did not have to be carried far before it was served. The kitchen contained a large fireplace where all of the cooking was done, as well as a water trough and a large table to prepare food. Falkland Palace also had a bakehouse where bread was made. Food was stored in cellars. These The bakehouse were cold, dry rooms with stone floors and no windows. Fresh food could still only be stored for a short while in these rooms before it spoilt. There would also be a brewhouse at the palace where ale was made. Water was often not good to drink at this time, it contained a lot of germs so people drank a lot of ale.
Storage cellar

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Mary Queen of Scots

Sleeping
Important members of the royal court would have bedchambers to sleep in. These rooms would have contained a bed and a small amount of furniture, including chests for clothing. There would also be a fireplace in the room to provide heating, and candles would have provided lighting. Tapestries would have been hung on some walls to provide decoration and help to keep the room warm. Other people would have slept in the great hall or at inns in the burgh.
The Queens Bedroom

Toilets
Toilets were simply holes in the ground, which took waste into a cesspit or a ditch at the foot of the wall. Today, this toilet has a decorative cover over the hole for safety.

Toilet

Chapel
There is a Catholic chapel at Falkland Palace which Mary would have attended.

The Chapel Royal

Royal Tennis Court

Mary enjoyed playing royal tennis when she stayed at Falkland Palace. This game, and the court, is different to lawn tennis.

Image of Royal Tennis court

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Mary Queen of Scots Trade

Local Trade
Trading was very restricted at this time. Goods could only be traded at burgh markets, so for a town to be made into a royal burgh was great honour. Goods brought into the burgh were weighed and valued at the tron (a weighing machine), then taken to the mercat cross (market), where each trader was allocated a booth or stall. Taxes were charged on all goods brought into or taken out of the burgh. Only freemen were allowed to sell goods. Unfreemen were not allowed to trade or even work for freemen, and could only buy goods at certain times of the day. People from outside burghs had to sell their goods at the nearest local burgh market. They were only allowed to sell raw goods that had not been made into anything. Peddlars would roam the countryside with their small goods for sale. But this was a dangerous occupation and wild animals and raiders could attack them.

Overseas Trade
Again, only freemen were allowed to trade abroad. When merchant ships arrived in port officials called Custumars supervised their unloading. They taxed the goods and made sure that they went to the tron and then mercat cross for trading. It was illegal for goods to be traded at the harbour. Foreign trade was dangerous. Not only was there a risk of storms or getting lost due to poor navigation, there were many pirates in the 16th century. Trading was done mostly on a barter system that is they swapped the goods brought from Scotland for goods to take back. The main countries that Scotland traded with, and the goods exchanged were: Low Countries Scottish traders gave salt and animal skins in return for corn and spices. France Baltic Sea area England Scottish traders gave cloth and animal skins in return for wines, spices, prunes, walnuts, chestnuts, plums and dried figs. Scottish traders gave salt, cloth and animal skins in return for iron, pitch, tar, flax and hemp. Scottish traders gave linen cloth and yarn for wheat, oats and beans.

Luxury items such as furniture, expensive cloth and silver were also imported.

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Mary Queen of Scots Transport

In the 16th century there were few roads. Most of these were formed from tramped-down soil and provided a network of tracks between castles and burghs. Travel by road was dirty, tiring, slow and dangerous as there was always a risk of ambush. Travel was best on horseback as carts and wagons made slow progress on the rough ground. On horseback, lightly loaded, you could travel about 30 miles in a day. Although horse was the best form of transport, most Scots did not use saddles and bridles. Horses themselves were very expensive, costing about 10, which is the equivalent to 2,500 today. However, the average wage was 6 shillings a year, which is the equivalent to just 71 today. Transport by water was the best way of moving goods around. However, at this time the canal network had not been constructed, so this method of transport was limited to suitable rivers.

Housing
Housing for the Poor
Poor people lived in homes that were not much better than sheds. They were built of turf and skins, with roofs of thatched straw and heather. Often there was only one room downstairs with a bare earth floor. Sometimes there was a loft above for sleeping in and storing hay, herbs and food. The thatched roof was a fire hazard, and mice, rats and insects also lived in the roof. Windows did not have glass, but only wooden shutters. Animals such as cattle and sheep were kept indoors in winter to give them shelter and to provide warmth for the house. Dogs and cats were kept to catch mice and rats.

Merchants Housing
Trading merchants houses were either wood or wood and stone. They had two or three rooms, with the living quarters above the shop and storerooms below.

Housing for the Rich

Richer people lived in stone-built houses with glass in the windows. Rooms were panelled in wood with painted pattern ceilings. Furniture was sparse but was solid and well built. Large tapestries were hung on bedroom walls to keep in the warmth and to look nice, and curtains around the bed also helped to keep people warm.

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Mary Queen of Scots Sanitation

Sanitation was non-existent for the peasant population, and very basic for the wealthier classes. Even in Falkland Palace, where the kings and queens stayed, the toilet was nothing more than a hole in the ground. All waste and rubbish was thrown into the streets, and animals roamed the streets of the towns quite freely. The smell must have been awful, especially in the summer. Water for drinking, cooking and washing was collected from local streams, rivers and wells. People did not bathe very often, sometimes they never bathed at all.

Clothing
Clothing in the 16th century not only served the purpose of keeping people dry and warm, it also reflected social status. Every class, rank and profession had its own distinctive dress. Laws called Sumptuary Laws were passed in the early 15th century to stop people dressing above their station (in a manner which is not suited to their position in society).

Noblility
The nobility and the wealthy merchant classes had their clothes made from expensive materials like silk, satin and velvet imported from France and the Low Countries. They were often covered in beautiful hand-stitched embroidery.

Middle or Merchant Class

The middle, or merchant, class wore the same fashion as that wore by the nobility. The richer the merchant, the finer his clothes.

Peasants
The peasant classes were very poor and could only afford the bare minimum of clothes. The material was a coarse, home-made cloth. They wore nothing on their feet unless it was very cold, when they used animal skins sewn together.

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Mary Queen of Scots Food

Food for the Poor
Poor soil, bad weather and inefficient farming methods, combined with lack of money, restricted the food types available to the poor. The basic food of a peasant family consisted of barley bannocks, oatcakes, sour-milk cheese, butter, soup, salted mutton, sheeps-head broth and fish. In coastal areas seaweed was also eaten. Porridge was an important part of the diet, made by soaking and cooking oatmeal in water or milk. It was eaten warm or left to go cold and sliced, with the slices eaten cold or cooked on a griddle to make a thick oatcake. Most families only had one pot or cauldron, so all of the food was cooked together. Meat or fish was boiled, and the liquid used to make soup. Wild herbs were used for flavouring. Wild honey and wild fruits were the only sweet foods available. The poor would drink either water from rivers or ale.

Food for the Rich

The rich could afford to import food so they had a much more varied diet. Their diet included fresh fruits, dried fruits and nuts and a wide range of fresh meat and fish. Vegetables were only eaten in soups. As hunting was a popular pastime for the royal court, they would have eaten boar, venison, hare, rabbit and game birds caught during the hunt. Spices were also imported to flavour foods. The Scottish alliance with France had a great influence on the food of the rich, and it is likely that French cooks worked for many Scottish courts. The French introduced the practice of eating desserts, as well as influencing cooking methods and recipes. Food was cooked in three main ways: spit roasted, oven baked and pot boiled. Bread was expensive at this time, and so was only eaten by the richer classes. There were four different types of bread: manchet (the finest), trencher (the second best), ravelled and mashloch (the rougher types). The rich drank wine, imported from France.

Eating Utensils
Eating utensils were made of wood or pewter. The rich would keep silver dishes on their dressers for display only. Some drinking vessels, especially the traditional Scots quaich, were made from stags horns.

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Mary Queen of Scots Types of Food

Seafood Salmon Salt herrings Skate Haddock Flounders Pike Bream Roach Carp Trout Speldies (dried fish) Crab Winkles Oyster Mussel Lobster Eel Vegetables Colewart Kale/ cabbage Pease Beans Onions Radishes Seaweed Parsley Beet Lettuce Meat Salted mutton Goose Beef Ox feet Pullet Capon Hen Duck Swan Rabbit Hare Venison Boar Game birds

Other Skink (soup) Spices Porridge Prunes Oatcakes Walnuts Bread Chestnuts Barley bannocks Oranges Butter Pears Eggs Apples Sour-milk cheese Plums Tripe Berries Meal kale custocks (meal and kale formed into a loaf and cut up) Flummery (jelly made from the husks of oats)

Almonds Dates

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Mary Queen of Scots Pastimes

Hunting with horses and dogs was a popular pastime for the wealthy in the 16th century. They would hunt for deer and boar. Falconry, hunting with birds of prey, was also a popular pastime, with ladies using a smaller bird such as the Merlin. Sports, such as royal tennis and golf, were also popular with the wealthy. People would also spend time practising archery. Poorer people played a game which is similar to cricket, and teams would play football (although this was a rough game, more like rugby). Games such as cards, dice and backgammon were also popular. There were public holidays in the 16th century, such as St Andrews Day and May Day. On these days the town council provided entertainment such as minstrels, players and acrobats. The people themselves used to dress up and perform plays. Someone would be appointed the Lord of Misrule and would organise all of the fun, which usually involved playing tricks and practical jokes. Some entertainments of this time used animals and were very cruel. They often involved an animal being badly injured or killed in fighting, such as bear baiting or cock fighting. These cruel games are against the law today.

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Mary Queen of Scots

Glossary
Citizenship Eclipse (solar) Icon Idolatry Martyr Mercenaries Persecution Pewter Poaching Regent Relic Renounce Salvation Stalactites Treason Treaty Tuberculosis Membership of a state or nation, with its rights and duties. When the moon passes between the sun and the earth, blocking out the light from the sun. A person or thing regarded as a symbol of belief. Worship of idols an idol is an image of a god. A person who dies rather than give up their religious beliefs. A soldier who fights for a foreign army or money. Harassment or maltreatment of someone because of their race or religious belief. A mixture of tin and lead. To catch game or fish illegally on someone elses land. The ruler of a country during the absence, childhood or illness of its monarch. A possession of a saint, considered to be holy. To formally give up a claim or right. Going to heaven instead of hell. An icicle-shaped mass of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a cave. Betrayal of the monarch or country. Formal written agreement between two or more states. An infectious disease of the lungs.

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Mary Queen of Scots

Teaching Material
5-14 Links Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities Questions for Pupils A Royal Visit to Falkland Palace - Spring 1562 How to make a Ruff How to make a Boys Hat How to make a Girls Head-dress

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Mary Queen of Scots Links to the 5-14 Curriculum Level C/D

Knowledge and understanding: people in the past
People, events and societies of significance in the past: Describe the diversity of lifestyles of people in the past. Describe features of life in 16th century Scotland [16th Century Life] Compare the life of a peasant to that of a Freeman or a Royal [16th Century Life] Describe some features of societies, people and events from the past and suggest why they might be considered significant. Describe features of life in 16th century Scotland [16th Century Life] Appreciate the role of the church in 16th century Scotland [Background to Marys Story: The Reformation] Describe the life of Mary Queen of Scots and understand the significance of events that occurred during her life [The Life of Mary Queen of Scots] Change, continuity, cause and effect: Make a comparison between present and past lifestyles/circumstances/features. Give some reasons for the differences, and for aspects of continuity. Compare features of life in 16th century Scotland with life today [16th Century Life] Understand how some of Marys decisions and the Union of the Crowns has affected life today [The Life of Mary Queen of Scots] Time and historical sequence: Put a series of events with their dates in chronological order. Put a number of events from Marys life onto a detailed timeline [The Life of Mary Queen of Scots; Topic Overview] Track events from history in a timeline [The Life of Mary Queen of Scots; Topic Overview] The nature of historical evidence: Describe ways in which people remember and preserve the past, and why they should do this. Explain the meaning of the word heritage and give some examples. Following a visit to one of the places where Mary stayed, discuss why these places are preserved, and why they are considered to be part of Scotlands heritage. Suggest a variety of sources of information about the past and what use they might be to someone studying a particular topic. Use a variety of resources to research the life of Mary Queen of Scots

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Mary Queen of Scots

Skills enquiry
Using the Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities and Questions for Pupils provided, the following enquiry skills will be developed: Preparing for tasks: Plan a sequence of activities or tasks for tackling an enquiry. Suggest relevant sources of information that might assist in a particular enquiry task. Identify a variety of straightforward sources from which relevant information might be collected. Carrying out tasks: Select and record specific information for a given purpose from a variety of sources. Select simple and straightforward techniques to process/ classify straightforward information in a variety of ways. Distinguish in an elementary way between fact and opinion, and between truth and fiction. Make simple judgements about the usefulness/reliability of information and evidence. Review and reporting on tasks: Present findings in a report, communicating key points clearly. Present conclusions giving reasons/justify these with reference to evidence.

Cross Curricular Links

Language: Reading for information during research. Writing reports. Giving aural reports to the class. Listening for information during reports from other groups in the class. Religious Education: Catholic/Protestant beliefs. Music and Dance: Listening to music of the 16th century and learning dances from the time. Art: Drawings of fashion/ clothing of the time, or of Mary and Francis marriage. Using images from Falkland Palace for art.

Drama: Dramatising part or all of Marys life.

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Mary Queen of Scots Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities

Questions relating to each area of Marys story are provided in this pack. These can be completed by pupils using the information provided in this pack, or by research using the internet and books. The questions can also be used as guidance for class discussion. Other suggestions for teaching and learning activities are outlined below.

The Background to Marys Story

The Auld Alliance Investigate the influences of the Auld Alliance on Scottish architecture, food and language. The Reformation Pupils could be given the text on the Reformation (Background to Marys Story) and asked to highlight the important facts and then present them as bullet points. Create a timeline to show the arrival of Christianity and other key events, which extends BC/AD and includes John Knox. Research John Knox and his role in the Reformation of Scotland by using books and the internet. Write a report or present findings to the class. Research key characters in the Reformation in groups by using books and the internet. Present findings to the class.

The Life of Mary Queen of Scots

The Rough Wooing Use the questions as guidance to discuss the key points of the rough wooing Marys Life in France Using facts about Marys life in France, pupils could write a short script to show a day in the life of Mary, which they can then dramatise. Create pictures of Mary and Francis wedding from the descriptions given. Arrival at Leith Compare two stories in newspapers today (e.g. The Scotsman and the Daily Record) consider how the same story is reported differently by the two papers. Compare them for similarities/ differences and look for fact or opinion, bias and exaggeration, etc. Pupils could write a newspaper account of the arrival of Mary at Leith, or write two different reports each reflecting a differing view of the arrival (e.g. one positive and the other negative). Pupils could write a report of an interview with Mary on her arrival, and a report of an interview with John Knox about the arrival of Mary.

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Mary Queen of Scots

Marys Life in Scotland Research the places where Mary stayed in Scotland. Mark these on a map. Visit one of the places where Mary stayed (Falkland Palace in Fife offers a Mary Queen of Scots programme for schools). Use the section Life in a Royal Palace (in 16th Century Life) to find out about how life would have been for Mary and her Royal Court when staying at Falkland Palace. Think about which rooms would be required in a modern palace, and how the content of the rooms would differ today. Read the fictional short story A Royal Visit to Falkland Palace, at the end of this section. Learn and perform dances of the 16th century (contact The National Trust for Scotland) Create paintings and collages to show Marys life in Scotland. This may be an appropriate time to study life in 16th century Scotland (also included in this pack). Marys Marriage to Lord Darnley Pupils could imagine they are Mary and write an entry in her diary or a letter to a friend shortly after her marriage to Darnley when she found out about his true character. Express her thoughts and disappointment. Dramatise an argument between Mary and Darnley regarding his desire for more power and her reluctance to give him more power. Murder of Riccio (Rizzio) Dramatise the murder of Riccio. Murder of Lord Darnley Pupils could write an imaginary account of the investigation into Darnleys murder what evidence (real or circumstantial) is there? Create a short Crimewatch type programme appealing for help to solve the mystery. Discuss with pupils who they think was responsible for Darnleys murder. Mary and the Earl of Bothwell Pupils could imagine that they are Mary, imprisoned at Lochleven Castle. Write a diary entry which expresses her thoughts about the past, how she feels now and what she thinks about her future. Escape from Lochleven Castle Pupils could write a newspaper report or script for television news about Marys escape from Lochleven Castle. Discuss the options Mary had when her army was defeated should she stay in Scotland, flee to France or flee to England. What were the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Discuss why this was an important turning point in history. Mary and Elizabeth Discuss the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth, and why Mary was a threat to Elizabeth. The Casket Letters 38

Mary Queen of Scots

Discuss the motives for the Casket Letters. Pupils could write a version of the Casket Letters, considering what information would need to be included to give the impression that Mary was involved in the murder of her husband. Pupils could dramatise the investigation hearing about Marys involvement in Darnleys murder.

Imprisonment Compare the conditions in which Mary was imprisoned with the classic image of being imprisoned, or with prisons today. The Babington Plot Discuss the motives for the Babington Plot. The Trial and Execution of Mary Dramatise the trial or execution of Mary. Discuss the illustration of the execution of Mary. Pupils could write a newspaper report or script for television news about the trial or execution of Mary. The Union of the Crowns Discuss the significance of the Union of the Crowns on life today.

Life in 16th Century Scotland

Compare the life of the rich with that of the poor, including housing, clothing, food, hygiene and pastimes. Compare life in 16th century Scotland with life today, including housing, clothing, food, hygiene and pastimes. Use the images of portraits included in this pack to create paintings or models of clothing worn at the time. Use a variety of techniques, e.g. paint, collage, fabric.

Topic Overview
Summary of Marys Life Create a timeline of the events in Marys life. Extend the timeline to include significant events before Mary was born and those after she died. People Important to Marys Story Select one or more of the individuals in Marys life and write a summary of who they were and their role in Marys story, including the motivations for their actions. Using the information obtained in the task above, take part in role play and be interviewed in the hot seat about your role in Marys life, or appear on a chat show (like Parkinson or The Kumars). Play who am I? by providing stickers with the names of people in Marys life on them. Stick a name on each childs back (without them seeing the name) and they must find out who they are by asking other children questions (note, the question cannot be who am I?!). 39

Mary Queen of Scots

The Family Tree of the Stewarts & Tudors Use this to assist with discussions about the relationship of key people in Marys story. Kings and Queens of Scotland Use this to follow the line of monarchs to today. Create a timeline of the monarchs. Other Suggestions: Dramatise the life of Mary Queen of Scots. Pupils could create a quiz or board game about the life of Mary Queen of Scots. Write a set of answers, and ask pupils to write questions for the answers.

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Mary Queen of Scots

Questions
The Background to Marys Story
The Auld Alliance 1. Why was there an alliance between Scotland and France? 2. What were the terms of the treaty? 3. How did the treaty influence every day life in Scotland? 4. Give two examples of royal marriages which strengthened the alliance. 5. When did the treaty officially end? The Reformation 1. Which two religions did the Reformation split the Church into? 2. Why was religion important to people in the 16th century? 3. Which English king converted England to Protestantism? 4. Who was King of Scotland when this happened? 5. What were the religions of France and England when Mary became Queen of Scotland? 6. What religion was Marys mother? 7. Who was the first Scottish Protestant martyr? 8. Who commanded the execution of George Wishart? 9. What happened as a result of Wisharts execution? 10. Which important figure in the Reformation was taken as a slave to work at the oars of the French galleys? 11. When did John Knox return to Scotland? 12. What happened as a result of John Knox preaching against idolatry? 13. What reason, other than religious beliefs, did those who were rebelling against Mary of Guise and the Catholic religion give for their actions? 14. Which country sent troops to support Scotland against attack from the French in 1560? 15. What religion was Scotland when Mary returned from France? 16. What religion was Mary?

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Mary Queen of Scots

The Life of Mary Queen of Scots
The Rough Wooing 1. How old was Mary when she became queen of Scotland? 2. Which two countries wanted Mary to marry a royal from their country? 3. Why did they want this to happen? 4. Why did England attack Scotland? 5. Who helped the Scots to fight the English? 6. Who was Mary to marry as a result of the rough wooing? Marys Life in France 1. How old was Mary when she left for Scotland? 2. Did Marys mother, Mary of Guise, go with her? 3. Who was Mary brought up with? 4. Give examples of some of the things Mary learnt during her time in France. 5. How old was Mary when she married Francis? 6. Describe how Mary looked for her wedding. 7. When did Mary become queen of France? 8. How old was Mary when she became a widow? 9. How did Mary feel when she left France? Arrival at Leith 1. When did Mary arrive at Leith? 2. What was the weather like? 3. How did John Knox, leader of the Protestant Church, describe Marys arrival? 4. Where was Mary taken when she first arrived at Leith? 5. Describe the scene when Mary travelled to Holyrood Palace. Marys Life in Scotland 1. Why did the royal court travel around Scotland? 2. Name some of the places where Mary stayed. 3. Give examples of some pastimes which Mary enjoyed. Marriage to Lord Darnley 1. Why did Mary need to marry again? 2. Before they were married, how were Mary and Lord Darnley related? 3. When did Mary and Darnley marry? 4. How did Elizabeth view Mary and Darnleys marriage? 5. After they were married, how did Darnley change? The Murder of Riccio (Rizzio) 1. Who was Riccio?
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Mary Queen of Scots

2. Why did Darnley plot to murder Riccio? 3. Describe the events of Riccios murder. The Murder of Lord Darnley 1. Describe the events of Darnleys murder. 2. Who were the main suspects in Darnleys murder? 3. Who did Mary rely on more after Darnleys death? Mary and the Earl of Bothwell 1. How soon after Darnleys death did Mary and Bothwell get married? 2. What religion was the marriage ceremony? 3. How did the Protestant nobles react to this marriage? 4. Describe the events which led to Marys abdication. 5. What was Bothwells fate? Escape from Lochleven Castle 1. Describe Marys escape from Loch Leven Castle. 2. Which royal did Mary go to for help after she escaped? Mary and Elizabeth 1. Create a family tree to show how Mary and Elizabeth were related. 2. What religion was Elizabeth? 3. Why did Elizabeth think that Marys supporters would try to kill her? 4. Did Mary and Elizabeth ever meet? The Casket Letters 1. Who produced the Casket Letters? 2. What did these letters appear to prove? 3. Was Mary allowed to give evidence at the investigation into Lord Darnleys death? 4. What happened as a result of this investigation? 5. Were these letters genuine? Imprisonment 1. Name some of the places where Mary was kept prisoner. 2. Describe some of the pastimes Mary could do during her imprisonment. 3. What happened to the Duke of Norfolk when he tried to free Mary? The Babington Plot 1. Why was Mary not allowed to communicate by letter? 2. How did Mary smuggle letters in and out of Chartley Hall? 3. What did Sir Anthony Babington suggest in his letters to Mary? 4. How did Mary respond to this idea?
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Mary Queen of Scots

5. Who was intercepting these letters? 6. What crime was Mary now accused of? The Trial and Execution of Mary 1. When was Mary found guilty of treason? 2. Why did Elizabeth delay in signing the death warrant for Mary? 3. When was Mary beheaded? 4. Describe some of the events of Marys execution. 5. Why were Marys belongings burnt? The Union of the Crowns 1. Why did James VI of Scotland also become James I of England? 2. When did this happen?

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Mary Queen of Scots The Life of Mary Queen of Scots

Research the life of Mary Queen of Scots to complete the timeline below by filling in the date or the event. 1542 1548 Mary married Francis, Dauphin of France. 1560 King Francis II of France, Marys husband, died. 1563 Mary married Lord Darnley. 1566 Lord Darnley was murdered. 1567 Mary was executed. Mary was born.

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Mary Queen of Scots The Life of Mary Queen of Scots Answers

Research the life of Mary Queen of Scots to complete the timeline below by filling in the date or the event. 1542 1548 1558 1561 1562 1563 1565 1566 1567 1567 1587 Mary was born. Mary went to France. Mary married Francis, Dauphin of France. Mary became Queen of France. King Francis II of France, Marys husband, died. Mary returned to Scotland. Mary married Lord Darnley. David Rizzio was murdered, James is born. Lord Darnley was murdered. Mary abdicated. Mary was executed.

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Mary Queen of Scots

A Royal Visit to Falkland Palace Spring 1562

In the Palace of Falkland everything was in a state of turmoil, and had been since the Court had arrived from St Andrews a few days before. Queen Mary had come to Falkland to relax and join in the hunt for stags and wild boar, and, at present, the servants were hurriedly carrying out their duties in preparation for her return from the days sport. To the royal household the young queen was still something of a novelty: only 7 months had passed since she had landed at Leith on that day of the storm and fog. Many people loved her youthful beauty and were captivated by her gay laughter, but there were others who doubted the sincerity of her intentions. Although Mary had been crowned Queen of Scots at the age of 9 months, she had been brought up in the French Court and had reigned as Queen Consort of that country. One who did not doubt his young queen was James Merschall who was in charge of the royal larder. He had heard all the arguments of the reformers who feared that a Catholic queen would endeavour to destroy the newly established religion. James detested the reformers and most especially their chief spokesman, John Knox, but he knew that Mary Stuart would never follow the same course that her cousin, Mary Tudor, had followed in England, for nothing could be gained by burning the reformers at the stake. He felt that his fair Scots queen would continue to follow the teachings of her own church; but he also knew that her promise not to interfere with an individuals right to follow the dictates of his own conscience was a genuine one. So, as far as James was concerned, the firebreathing Knox could sleep peacefully in his bed, for no martyrs blood would be spilt in Scotland. So it was with a keen sense of devotion to his young mistress that James turned his attention to the task of organising the provisions for the queens supper table. The Master of the Queens Household, Francis de Bissoy, had told him to visit the servants in the kitchen and the bakehouse to find out what was required from the larder. James was accompanied by his young assistant, a servant boy, who was dressed in the manner of all the lower domestic servants in a suit of coarse grey cloth, passed down from another servant in part payment of the boys wages. On his head the boy wore a broad flat cap made from thick blue cotton, or fustian, as it was then called. James himself wore clothes which indicated his higher status among the servants. Although it was made of a coarse woollen cloth, it was fashioned like the dress of the gentlemen of the court. It consisted of a worn black doublet over a white cotton shirt, or sark, the yellowing tinges of which showed that it was no longer the newest of garments. His outfit was completed by a pair of coarse woollen breeches which reached to just above his knees. James first visit was to the palace kitchen, situated next to the turnpike stair in the east range, where fine French cuisine was already being prepared for the evening meal. When James entered the kitchen he was reminded, as always, of the vision of hell he had heard the priest talk about at Mass. The heat was intense and the smoke and steam filled his lungs and caused him such discomfort that he felt that he would choke at any minute. He 47

Mary Queen of Scots

always felt extremely sorry for the kitchen servants who had to work in this stifling atmosphere and he could not wait to get back to the fresh coolness of the larder. Everything in the great vaulted kitchen was as usual that day. The large open fire was filled with iron pots hanging on tripods blackened by the heat of the burning coals. Two large salmon were boiling in a huge pot in preparation for the servants meal. Salmon was one of the most common of Scots fish and James had often heard the servants complain about the number of times they had to eat it every week. The cook told James that the queen had ordered a supper which consisted of soup a la reine, followed by friars fish, and venison soaked in claret. The meal was to be completed with a confection of pears and apples mixed with the best French wine. So James returned to the larder to despatch the necessary provisions for the preparation of these delicacies. A haunch of venison had been sent to the kitchen the previous night as it had to be soaked in the claret for at least 6 hours before it was cooked. However, James still had to supply the kitchen staff with veal, fowl and herbs; the main ingredients of the rich, white soup, which the mother of Mary Queen of Scots, Marie of Guise, had introduced to Scotland from France. He also sent his young assistant down to the stank, or fish pond, which was situated to the west of the palace stables, to produce the finest red trout for the dish known as friars fish. This also consisted of assorted herbs and spices, lemon, anchovies and Rhenish wine. James next visit was to the bakehouse in the south range to find out what provisions were needed by Alexander Carpentyn, the queens baker. Although the bakehouse was always very hot, James never thought that the atmosphere was as oppressive as that of the kitchen. He knew that this was mainly due to the fact that the bread was all baked in the oven, so the intense heat was not able to circulate all around the room. He found Carpentyn resting against one of the great stone walls and soon heard that all that was needed from the larder was some of the bruised grain which would be mixed with flour and bran to make ravelled bread for the servants meal. The highest quality white bread, which was called manchet, would not be baked that day as there had already been enough made the day before to serve the needs of the queen and her court. At this point James servant returned from fetching the red trout from the stank and was chatting quietly to the bakehouse servants. James knew that the lad loved to linger here to watch the oven being opened and the sweet-smelling, new-baked loaves being removed. However, there was work to be done so there was no time to be wasted. As they were leaving the bakehouse James noticed the young lad slipping two oatcakes under his blue cotton cap. He had warned the boy so often about stealing but as he always got hungry at this time of day there was no point attempting to dissuade him from this heathen habit. As they were returning to the larder through the courtyard of the palace, James and the boy heard the blast of the hunting horn coming from far off in the great oaks of Falkland Wood. James could picture the scene as the young queen and her retinue gave chase to the stags with their pointed antlers. The hunt was obviously well advanced so it would not be long until the royal party returned, ravenous for fine French cuisine.

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The blast of the hunting horn was also heard in the royal apartments where Mary Beaton, one of the queens ladies-in-waiting, was sitting by an open window. She was embroidering a small decorative panel which incorporated the royal emblems of Scotland, England and France; the thistle, the rose and the fleur de lys. Mary Beaton set aside her embroidery and gazed out of the window at the lush greenery of Falkland Park. The new leaves on the massive oaks shone in the weak, early afternoon sunlight. How she loved Falkland! Of course, her family had special associations with the palace as her father, and his father before him, had been hereditary keepers of the stylish building. How well she remembered playing hide-and-seek as a child with her mother, Jeanne Gresoner, a Frenchwoman who had come over to Scotland with Marie of Lorraine. It had therefore been no surprise when Mary had been picked to accompany the young Mary Queen of Scots to France. Mary Beaton had liked living in France but she sorely missed her native Scotland. So it was with a light heart that she now savoured the delights of Falkland. Certainly, the little palace could not compare with the grand French hunting palace of Fontainbleau, but the beauty of its architecture and its homely comforts endeared it more to her than the spacious elegance of any French palace. Mary Beaton put down her embroidery and rose to summon the ladies of the queens chamber, Thore and Francoise, who had to help her arrange the clothes which the queen would wear at supper that night. Mary herself was dressed in a simple gown of black, white and lilac. Although this dress was one which signified that the court was still in mourning for the queens late husband, Francois II, the ladies-in-waiting were now allowed to wear their second dule, a relaxation of the first period of mourning which dictated they wear all black. Thore and Francoise entered the room chattering excitedly of the news they had heard from one of the pages. Apparently the queen had killed three stags that day and the hunt was now nearly at an end. Mary quickly organised the young girls in their work. If the hunt was at an end, the queen would soon return and would want to change from her fur-lined riding habit into a more suitable court dress. Thore picked a black camlet, or mohair, dress from the queens cabinet and laid it on the four-poster bed which was draped in velvet of the queens favourite green. The neck of this mourning dress was stiffened with buckram, a coarse linen fabric, and mounted with white lace and ribbons. A little white ruff embroidered with pearls, a black velvet heart-shaped cap and a white gossamer veil were also laid out on the bed. From the queens jewellery chest Mary picked out a necklace of rubies and pearls with a belt to match and, finally, a little gold crucifix was laid on top of the veil. As the last touches were being put to this arrangement by the three bright-eyed young girls, horses could be heard galloping towards the palace. The hunt was over, and the queen, delighted with her success, would soon be with them.

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How to make a Ruff

1. Cut two strips of cotton or crepe paper 1 metre long by 15 cm wide. If using material, sew hems on the edges. 2. Fold the material in half along the length, and sew a running stitch close to the fold. Make sure you tie a knot at the end of the thread. 3. When you have sewn along both pieces of material, pull the end of the thread until the material is the right length to go around your neck. Then tie a knot to stop the gathers coming undone. Do this to both pieces. 4. Put the two gathered pieces of material together and sew them one on top of the other, close to the fold. Tie a knot in the thread at both ends. 5. When you have sewn both pieces of material together, cut a piece of bias binding 4 cm wide by 60 cm long. Fold the bias binding in half length wise. 6. Place the gathered fabric in the middle of the length of bias binding, so that the folded edge of the gathered fabric is sandwiched in the bias binding. Sew all of the pieces together, and along the folded bias binding without fabric in it. 7. Pull apart all the sections to make the ruffle wide. Tie around your neck.

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How to make a Boys Hat

Materials needed: 50 cm of 90 cm wide fabric (velvet or taffeta), thread, heavy vilene, beads, braid, feathers. 1. There are three pattern pieces. Piece A is the crown of the hat, and this is cut once. Piece B is the brim, and is cut twice in the same fabric as the crown. Piece C is also cut twice, in buckram or heavy vilene for stiffening. 2. Zig-zag stitch around the outside of piece A and the inside edges of both B pieces. Place the C pieces on top of each other and sew (or iron) together to make a double thickness. 3. Place the right sides of both B pieces together and sew the outside edges together. Clip the curves. Turn out so that the right side is showing, and press with an iron. 4. Mark out quarters on the A piece and on one side of the B pieces. 5. With the right side of fabric together, match up the pins. Pin piece A to one B piece, using up the excess fabric by making even-sized pleats of about 3 cm. Sew this together, being careful not to catch the other side of the brim (the other B piece). 6. Push the crown (piece A) up to make it stick out. Fold the brim pieces (B) the right way out. Put the piece of stiffening in the brim, trimming if required. Fold the loose edge of the brim over and slip stitch to the edge of the crown, hiding all the raw edges. 7. Decorate with braid, beads, feathers, etc.

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How to make a Girls Head-dress

Materials needed: Black felt 25 x 50 cm, black velvet 70 x 40 cm, iron on heavy vilene 25 x 50 cm, thread, broderie-anglaise, braid, beads, 1 _ cm thick black elastic. 1. There are two pattern pieces, piece A is the head-band and piece B is the hood. Cut two pieces of A in black velvet, and two in heavy vilene. Cut one of piece B in black velvet. 2. Iron the two pieces of vilene to the velvet pieces. Take a piece of broderieanglaise 40 cm long, and place it on the top edge of one of the pieces of the felt with the right side up. Place it so that the fancy edge faces the bottom of the felt. Then put the other piece of felt directly on top and sew along the edge with broderie-anglaise sandwiched in between the two layers of felt. 3. Take piece B (velvet) and hem three of the edges. Leave one of the long sides and zig-zag stitch the edge. Sew two running stitches close to the edge and gather the fabric to the width of the bottom of the felt. 4. Open out the felt head-band. With the right side of the felt to the right side of the velvet, sew the velvet to the bottom edge of one of the pieces of felt. 5. Take some pieces of braid that are the same length as the felt, and sew them across the piece of felt that has the velvet attached to it. One piece of braid should be sewn over the join between the felt and velvet. Sew only on the felt side. You can also sew beads or strings of pearls or sequins on the head-dress. 6. Fold the two sides of the felt, right sides together, and sew along each side of the felt, trim and turn the right way out. 7. Fold over the free edge of the felt, tuck inside all raw edges and slip stitch to the edge of the velvet. 8. Cut a piece of 1_ cm-wide, black elastic 12 cm long. Sew the elastic as shown in the illustration. 9. Take the edges of the velvet, right sides together, and sew up the first 10 to 15 cm of the side seams, starting from the bottom, to make a tube.
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Images

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Mary Queen of Scots

Mary in White Mourning, after Francois Clouet, c. 1559-61

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

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Mary Queen of Scots

Mary I, c. 1544 by Master John

www.npg.org.uk

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Mary Queen of Scots

Mary, after the Nicholas Hilliard miniature of 1578

www.npg.org.uk

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James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell

Artist unknown

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

David Riccio
Artist unknown

Copyright the British Museum www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk

Mary Queen of Scots Execution of Mary at Fotheringhay Castle, 1587

Artist unknown

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

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Kirk o Field (Contemporary sketch of the murder of Darnley, 10 February 1567)

National Museums of Scotland

Edward VI, c. 1547

Artist unknown

www.npg.org.uk

Mary Queen of Scots

Elizabeth, c. 1575, artist unknown

www.npg.org.uk

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Mary Queen of Scots Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley; Mary, Queen of Scotland

National Portrait Gallery , London www.npg.org.uk

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