The Execution of Mary Queen of Scots and Its Impact Flashcards

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What plot led directly to Mary Queen of Scots being put on trial in 1586?

The Babington Plot of 1586, in which letters showed Mary agreeing to Elizabeth’s murder, led directly to Mary being put on trial.

Where and when was Mary Queen of Scots tried, and what was she found guilty of?

She was tried for treason at Fotheringhay Castle in October 1586 and was found guilty of plotting to murder Elizabeth and take the English throne.

Why was Elizabeth I reluctant to execute Mary Queen of Scots?

Elizabeth was reluctant because Mary was a fellow anointed queen. Killing her might anger Catholic rulers and subjects. It would also set a dangerous example that rebels could kill monarchs.

What did Elizabeth do with Mary’s death warrant in February 1587, and how did her councillors act?

Elizabeth signed Mary’s death warrant on 1 February 1587 but suggested it should not yet be used. Some Privy Councillors, led by Lord Burghley, sent it to Fotheringhay without clearly telling her.

When and where was Mary Queen of Scots executed?

Mary was executed on 8 February 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire, where she had been held prisoner.

How did Elizabeth I react when she found out that Mary had been executed?

Elizabeth claimed she had not meant the warrant to be sent. She blamed her secretary William Davison for acting too quickly and had him imprisoned in the Tower of London.

How did Mary’s execution affect the threat of Catholic plots inside England?

Mary’s death removed the main Catholic figurehead for plots. This meant there were fewer serious Catholic plans to replace Elizabeth, although some Catholics still opposed her rule.

How did most Protestant MPs and Privy Councillors feel about Mary’s execution?

Most Protestant MPs and Privy Councillors were pleased because they believed Mary’s death made England and the Protestant Church safer from Catholic plots.

How did Mary Queen of Scots’ execution affect relations with Spain?

Mary’s execution angered King Philip II of Spain. It gave him another reason to see Elizabeth as a heretic and helped him justify planning the Spanish Armada in 1588.

How did Mary’s execution affect relations with Scotland and James VI?

Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland, protested about his mother’s execution but did not go to war with England. He still hoped to inherit Elizabeth’s throne, so relations stayed fairly calm.

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