The life of Scotland's most beloved monarch!

Who was Mary Queen of Scot’s?

The History

Mary Stuart was born at Linlithgow Palace on the 7th of December 1542, the daughter of James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. In 1548 at the request of her mother Mary was sent to live in France where she lived as part of the French royal family. Mary married the Dauphin Francis and in July 1559 Francis succeeded his father becoming King Francis II and Mary became Queen of France as well as of Scotland. On the 19th of August 1561, Mary arrived home to Scotland, landing on the docks at Leith and took up her reign again in her home land.

Mary married her first cousin Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley on the 29th of July 1565 which led to a series of very interesting events. Her marriage with Darnley turned sour and she refused him the right to succeed if she died without issue. Alone and disappointed, Mary turned to her Italian secretary, David Rizzio, for comfort and advice. This was perceived by Lord Darnley as something more than just a friendship and the protestant lords believed that Rizzio may have been a roman catholic spy which increased their hated towards the man. As a result Darnley and his men took it upon themselves to end the life of Mary’s one true companion, brutally murdering him at the Palace of Holyrood House.

Mary’s life turned even more chaotic. Her husband Lord Darnley died in what to this day remains an unsolved case, at the same time the protestant lords of the land rose against Mary and she was forced to flee to England. Upon her arrival Elizabeth I, the English Queen, imprisoned Mary for 19 years after committing the act of treason. Scotland’s Queen was then sentenced to death for her crimes and had her head removed by the executioner. The life of Mary Queen of Scots was a short one and a tough one but she will always be Scotland’s beloved queen.

The Now

Want to find out more about Mary Queen of Scots? There are so many wonderful sites of interest dedicated to the Queen throughout her birthplace of Linlithgow.

Why not pay a visit to the beautiful Linlithgow Palace, located in the heart of the town centre this wonderful attraction will blow your mind. Walk in the corridors of the building where the Queen was born and imagine the many servants rushing up and down the Palace to care for the new-born Queen.

Just next to the palace is the beautiful St Michael's church were the Catholic Mary was baptized, pay a visit and admire the stunning masonry in the building. Or why not get a picture of her much loved statue which can be found on the grounds of the Palace.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming Hollywood production “Mary Queen of Scot” starring an unbelievable cast which shall look at the life of Scotland's much loved monarch.