One of the most popular figures in western European history is Mary Queen of Scots, who became the pawn of some of the most powerful players in Europe.
One of the most popular figures in western European history is without a doubt, Mary Queen Scots. Romanticized beyond belief in many cases, Mary became the pawn of some of the most powerful players in European politics during the Sixteenth Century. From her power-hungry French relations, to her domineering great-uncle Henry VIII, Mary, by virtue of her birthright would always be the focus of plots and conspiracies. From the time of her ascendancy to the Scottish Throne, at nine-days old, to her premature death on the tower green, Mary’s life was filled with power plays and plots. In one of the greatest historical ironies, it is Mary’s line that inherited the English throne and helped unite England and Scotland under one crown.
Scotland
Mary, Queen of Scots was born Mary Stewart (not Stuart- that was her married name) on December 8, 1542 at Linlithgow Palace in Edinburgh. Her father, James V, was recovering at Falkland Palace, following the disastrous defeat of Solway Moss, where his forces were quickly crushed by the English. Upon hearing of his daughter’s birth, it was said he sighed, “It came wi a lass, it will go wi’ a lass,” then turned to the wall and died. He was of course referring to idea that Mary, his only legitimate heir, was the last of the Scottish Stewarts descended from Walter the Stewart. This quote was probably made up by later historians, for added romantic drama.
Upon her father’s death, Mary, aged nine days, was now Queen of Scotland. As with every other royal minority in Scotland, a power struggle ensued between various aristocratic families for control of the throne. To make matters worse, the Protestant Reformation had spread to Scotland, and this further divided the Scottish people. Marie de Guise, Mary’s mother and a staunch Catholic, was adamantly opposed to any protestant reform. She allied herself with Cardinal David Beaton and began secret negotiations to marry her daughter to the newly-born Dauphin of France. Henry VIII was pushing for a marriage between his son, Edward, to the little Queen of Scots. In 1544, Henry sent forces to Scotland, to help convince the Scots to agree to the betrothal. This “Rough Wooing,” as it became known, did little to endear the English to the proud Scots people.
In an effort to protect her daughter, Marie de Guise made the decision to send her to France. Mary would be looked after by her indomitable grandmother, Antoinette de Bourbon, and her powerful uncles, the Guise brothers.
France
In 1548, Mary aged five, was sent to France to be reared alongside her betrothed, Francois, the Dauphin of France. Mary was accompanied by four little girls from noble households. Known as the Four Maries, these girls would stay with the Queen in France and later on in her household in Scotland. In France, Mary was placed in the royal nursery with the seven royal prince and princesses. Always lurking about were Mary’s powerful Guise uncles, Charles, Cardinal of Lorraine and Francois, Duc de Guise, seeking to further their power base through their royal niece.
Mary received an excellent education in the royal nursery. She spoke fluent French, which she would speak her entire life. Indeed, she signed her name Marie, rather than Mary. Mary learned dancing, singing, could play several musical instruments, and embroidered beautifully. Some of her handiwork is on display at the Tower of London.
Sources:
Dunn, Jane. Elizabeth & Mary. Alfred A. Knopf. New York, 2004.
Guy, John. Queen of Scots. Houghton & Mifflin. New York, 2004.
Maclean, Fitzroy. Scotland: A Concise History. Thames & Hudson. London, 2002.
Oram, Richard. Kings & Queens of Scotland. Tempus Publishing. Gloucestershire, 2006.
