The decision to execute the Scots Queen:

1. The decision to execute the Scots Queen: Political necessity versus personal tragedy

2. The context: a fragile monarchy? • Mary QS had a strong claim to the throne:her actions would always be a concern to Elizabeth- and were always a threat to her. • The state of Scotland and its ruler were always of concern to English monarchs: Scotland was their nearest neighbour- a key part of the 3 kingdoms problem with which TS monarchs had to deal. • Mary’s links with Europe meant that she presented a major foreign policy problem for Elizabeth.

3. The personal dynastic factor • Mary had a strong claim to the throne, and Elizabeth correctly saw her as a major threat • She was Eliz’s heir if Eliz died without issue but - • There was a strong family connection • executing a fellow monarch created a very dangerous precedent

4. Mary was a clear threat to Elizabeth and Protestant England • Plots of varied degrees of severity sought to replace Elizabeth with Mary • Mary was at the centre of these – and gradually the evidence against her mounted • Elizabeth came to realise this evidence could not be ignored

5. Political pressure • There was growing pressure from Elizabeth’s advisors and from parliament to try and execute Mary • Cecil and Walsingham played key roles on the privy council • Parlt passed a number of acts seeking the execution of Mary

6. Foreign policy concerns • Mary had strong support from France, Spain and from the Pope in her claim to the English throne • If Elizabeth were to act hastily or advocate the execution of Mary, she ran the risk of a united front of the largest catholic powers in Europe declaring war against England

7. The execution and trial • The trial conducted fairly – for the time-but Mary had no counsel: she had to defend herself • She answered questions with care – and did not incriminate herself by her answers • She showed great courage during her trial and execution • She did not become a martyr: her earlier actions prevented that. • Seen by historians as a flawed and tragic figure

8. Effect on Elizabeth • Genuinely angry and upset: never comfortable with death: more so because of the familial link and Mary’s status • Also had a diplomatic reason for dissembling- need to distance herself from the actual decision

9. Effect on advisors • Strongly advocated the early execution of Mary for the sake of the security of the kingdom • Bore the brunt of Elizabeth’s wrath • After a suitable time returned to their positions of power

10. The People- • Parliament had been an early and strong advocate of the execution: they were pleased and relieved to see her executed – a threat to the kingdom had gone • The catholics: many found it difficult to support Mary because of her past: her death did reduce the chance of their dream of a catholic england being realised • To the protestants – a scarlet women and a threat to their protestant queen had been removed

11. Catholic Europe • Condemned the execution • Removed a valuable tool that catholic powers could use to de-stabilise England • Added additional strength and motivation for the planned Spanish invasion

12. Historian’s views • Two notable historians see her involvement in the plots as clearly proved • One historian sees the conduct of the trial as fair;but the charge itself as inappropriate • One historian sees Elizabeth’s reluctance to execute as understandable • Seen as a political necessity – and the only real outcome