Elizabeth's Reaction to the Execution of Mary Queen of Scots

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Elizabeth's Reaction to the Execution of Mary Queen of Scots

Important Dates: 1st February 1587: Death Warrant Signed

8th February 1587: Mary Queen of Scots executed.

In October of 1586, Mary was put on trial at Fotheringhay for plotting

to kill Elizabeth and claim the English throne. Elizabeth's last

letter to Mary was delivered at the start of the trial:

You have in various ways and manners attempted to take my life and to

bring my kingdom to destruction by bloodshed. I have never proceeded

so harshly against you, but have, on the contrary, protected and

maintained you like myself. This treason will be proved to you and all

made manifest. Yet it is my will, that you answer the nobles and peers

of the kingdom as if I were myself present. I therefore require,

charge, and command that you make answer for I have been well informed

of your arrogance.

Act plainly without reserve, and you will sooner be able to obtain

favour of me. Elizabeth.

Mary defended herself, though she had no friends or supporters at the

trial and, essentially, the verdict had been decided before it had

begun. Mary admitted her desire to escape but stated, 'I have not

procured or encouraged any hurt against Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.'

And she appealed for mercy, mentioning her own reputation for

tolerance and kindness: 'My subjects now complain they were never so

well off as under my government.' But she also accepted the

inevitable, telling the assembled nobles, 'May God keep me from having

to do with you all again.' When the verdict was read to her, she said,

'I do not fear to die in a good cause.'

Upon Hearing the ne...

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... fear. However revisionists have argued that this

was unlikely, as Mary had already been involved in previous plots such

as the Ridolfi plot

It seems likely that Elizabeth's council and parliament manipulated

her to execute Mary, as a Catholic queen was not desired. However it

does seem possible that the Babington plot was set up to implicate

Mary as the prospect of Elizabeth marrying and having children was

very unlikely and the threat of a Catholic monarch was growing ever

stronger.

Strong and Independent?

Looking at these questions there are many different views that link

closely with the idea of Elizabeth being manipulated. For example if

she had been strong and independent then she would not have been

manipulated however if she was indeed weak then manipulation would

have been a result.

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