Mary Queen of Scots

18 Febraury 1587 on this day, Mary Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringay castle and was buried at Peterborough Cathedral. The same grave digger performed the duty 50 years after he interred Catherine of Aragon. It was a grand death as Mary was dressed in a vivid crimson silk bodice and petticoat, the colour of martyrs. She gave a speech in defence of her catholic faith before putting her head on the block.

She had been a thorn in the side of her cousin Elizabeth for nearly 20 years constantly involved in plots to either get back her Scottish crown or usurp the throne of England. Elizabeth vacillated for so long before signing the death warrant and was said to be distraught when told that the deed was done.

Mary must be having the last laugh as when her son James I became King on the death of Elizabeth, he had her remains taken from Peterborough and placed in Westminster Abbey in a much grander tomb than Elizabeth's at the Abbey. It is also worth remembering that our present Soveriegn is decended from Mary as the Tudor dynasty ended with Elizabeth.

Peterborough Cathedral is on the tour itinerary of our Six Wives of one King tour.

http://www.tudorhistorytours.com/