How did MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS DIE | Famous royal executions | How did Mary Stuart die. History Calling

If you’ve ever wondered how did MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS DIE, then this is the video for you. In this latest offering from History Calling we go back to Fotheringhay Castle in February 1587 to look at one of the most famous royal executions in history, the death of Mary Queen of Scots.

The death of Mary Stuart came about after she was found guilty of involvement in the Babington Plot to overthrow and assassinate Elizabeth Tudor and take her throne. Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots had always had a difficult relationship and Mary had been a prisoner Queen in England for 19 years by 1587, yet Elizabeth hesitated to sign the death warrant, not wanting to set the precedent of executing an anointed monarch and her own cousin. Finally however, she did and it was taken to Fotheringhay, seemingly without her knowledge, where the execution of Mary Queen of Scots was swiftly carried out.

What happened to Mary Queen of Scots after she ascended the scaffold was gruesome and if you’ve ever wondered ‘how did Mary Stuart die’, the answer is, not well. After making her execution speech, saying her prayers and being made ready by her ladies and the executioners (all of which this video will look at), she was blindfolded and laid her head on the block. It then took three blows of the axe to finish the job and the first did not kill her, instead hitting the base of her head. When it was finally over, her effects were cleaned or burned and she was left in a coffin, unburied, at Fotheringhay for nearly six months, before finally being interred in Peterborough Cathedral on 1 August. Her son, James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603 and in 1612, he had his mother’s remains moved to Westminster Abbey, where they remain to this day.

The story of Mary Queen of Scots’ life had always been full of twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies and it was no different when she met her end. Other questions this video will answer include: why was Mary Queen of Scots killed? How old was Mary Queen of Scots when she died? Where did Mary Queen of Scots die and when did Mary Queen of Scots die?

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READ:

The last will and testament of Mary, Queen of Scots, 8 February 1587

Mary’s prayer book, used at her execution (blog entry with photographs)

Mary Monica Maxwell-Scott, The Tragedy of Fotheringay..., Founded on the Journal of D. Bourgoing (London, 1895)
[This book has a number of eye witness reports of Mary’s final hours in its appendices]

Calendars of the State Papers relating to Scotland
[Again, numerous primary sources relating to Mary’s death. Just scroll through to the relevant date]

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[megbailey]

Her little dog was a more faithful friend to her than the humans she was surrounded by. Perhaps a bit off topic, but I find the story of her faithful little dog deeply touching

[marshavilkas]

Mary was a kind queen, but she grew up in an environment of love and respect in France. Elizabeth I grew up fighting for her right to the throne, her legitimacy, and her right to exist after her mother's death. She struggled her entire life, and I think that shaped her on how to handle foreign and domestic affairs really well and in a calculated manner. Mary never got those lessons from experience. And I think that really made a difference on how these two queens approached their reign.

[berettax]

You always find a way to include more facts and more details than many other documentary series seen on historical TV shows. Such a great channel.

[aprilsnow]

I've watched many many videos on Mary Queen of Scots and I've never heard the letter she wrote the king of France before, great video very informative! Wish the world would have been kinder to Mary💜

[TheTesemeau]

Scholarly, accessible and thorough, I am loving your work, thank you! This is history as I understand it best and love it most. From a distance we come closest through an exploration and understanding of the slightest detail.

[roscluaran]

Thank you very much for this outstanding coverage of Mary, Queen of Scots death. Your in-depth account of her final hours is very moving and compelling. A very informative and enlightening video.

[delskioffskinov]

I enjoyed it immensely! I love your soft narration and honest opinion makes for good content thank you!

[kasie]

I could listen to your voice *ALL DAY* you should do audible books

[hollyh]

I absolutely love the depth of your videos. Such as the link to be able to see Mary Queen of Scots last will and testament. Also the letters that you read out to us really makes it seem tangible and real to me because it's the actual words and thoughts from said person!! It is those things within your videos that really stand out!!🤗 Thank you so much for all you do!

[MatiaBryson]

I've watched all your videos. I love your pace, getting to the meat, without too many speculations. I also like your accent. Looking forward to you doing a video in what is known of the deaths of the young princes in the Tower.

[nassauguy]

Just like Anne Boleyn was vindicated by her daughter becoming Queen, so was Mary Stuart by her son succeeding Elizabeth.

[vickit]

I love hearing “history calling” it makes my day!

[cherylnunn]

Thank you so much for covering Mary's story. I look forward to your videos each week. There is so much we can learn from history

[michellenee]

I really enjoy your in-depth history lessons on the executions of some of Europes most famous queens. These lessons are better than the ones I received while touring England and West Minster Abbey. I am great full that you have taken the time to do these history lessons making these royal ladies more human to us in modern times. I can’t help to wonder if we have learned from the lessons of the past to help us here in the present.

[el_aleman]

It always amazes me how “religious people” can be so savage towards each other just over differences of their respective churches

[mariac]

I look forward to your videos each week! They are so informative and interesting!

[stephencarrillo]

I'm always inspired to read up on all the events and historical figures you cover in your videos. Thanks for the inspiration. I look forward to your weekly videos and you never disappoint.

[JerryD]

Very well done. I'm really enjoying all of your videos. The Tudor Period in English History has always fascinated me. It's incredible how Henry VIII's roving eye and desire for a male heir could alter English History forever and cause such death and destruction. One thing that I've always found to be such a paradox is how a supposedly civilized nation could treat people, even Kings and Queens, so savagely.

[ciarasimpson]

Always fascinated by this a pity she met a horrific end when Elizabeths own mother was granted a swordsman from France, she should have had just the same comfort. However once again interesting and excellent delivery... Thank you ☺️

[mac]

Thank you so much for your videos. I've always had a very hard time following Tudor history, and you have such a special way of bringing them to life that it makes it really easy for me to follow and remember the people and the events of their lives.