Mary Queen of Scots

Person's name,time, period, place: Mary Stuart was born in Scotland on the 8th December 1542 and died in England the 8th February 1587.


Personal Background: She was the only surviving legitimate child of king James V who died when she was six days old. She acceded to the throne at six days old while her mother Marie de Guise ruled as regent of Scotland. When she was sixteen years old she married the Dauphin of France Francis II and a year later she became queen consort of France until the death of her husband in 1560. Years later she married her cousin Lord Darnley from whom she had her only son, James VI.  When her second husband was murdered, she married Lord Bothwell who forced her to abdicate.


Personal Traits: Mary Stuart was a very strong queen who ruled her reign with determination, courage and power. She was also a loving mother.


 Significance: Mary Stuart's figure is very important because she embodies the concept of women's power and worth.


Obstacles: Mary Stuart was raped and forced to abdicate by her third husband. She tried to take back her reign but she failed because at the time being a woman had its limits. She asked for help to her cousin Elizabeth I but Mary was a catholic figure too strong to handle, so Elizabeth confined Mary in various castles and when the Queen of Scots tried to assasinate Elizabeth, she was found guilty so she was beheaded in 1587.

Important quote: I would defy the devil himself if he tried to buy and sell my country.