Prepare your time machines for a week of royal intrigue, political drama, and the tragic conclusion of one of history’s most fascinating queens. The year is 1587, and at Fotheringhay Castle, Mary, Queen of Scots, meets her end on February 8th. This pivotal moment in British history is not just a tale of treason and tragedy but also a window into the intricate politics of the Tudor court. Join us for a week-long journey through the life and legacy of Mary Stuart in the heart of Elizabethan England.
Day 1: Arrival in Fotheringhay – A Quiet Village with a Grim Secret
Destination: Fotheringhay Village and Castle
Touch down in the quaint Northamptonshire village of Fotheringhay, where Mary, Queen of Scots, has been held captive since September 1586. Visit the imposing Fotheringhay Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the River Nene. The castle’s grim halls are abuzz with the news of Mary’s impending execution. Take a tour of the great hall where the trial took place, and hear the whispers of conspiracies and betrayals that sealed her fate.
Day 2: Explore Mary’s Life and Legacy
Destination: Local Archives and Libraries
Dive into the fascinating story of Mary Stuart, a queen who wore three crowns. Born in 1542, Mary became Queen of Scots as an infant, Queen of France through marriage, and a claimant to the English throne. Learn about her tumultuous reign in Scotland, her dramatic flight to England, and her 19 years of imprisonment under Elizabeth I. This day is perfect for brushing up on the key events that led to her trial and execution.
Day 3: The Trial of Mary, Queen of Scots
Destination: Fotheringhay Castle’s Great Hall
Revisit the trial that took place in October 1586. Explore the hall where Mary was accused of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth I—a charge based on the infamous Babington Plot. Study the evidence presented by Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, and reflect on Mary’s impassioned defense. While the outcome was a foregone conclusion, the trial remains a dramatic example of Tudor justice.
Day 4: Elizabethan Court Politics
Destination: Hatfield House (Day Trip)
Travel to Hatfield House, a Tudor estate linked to Elizabeth I. Gain insight into the political challenges Elizabeth faced in dealing with Mary, including pressure from her council and foreign powers. Discover how Elizabeth agonized over signing Mary’s death warrant, knowing the execution of a fellow monarch was unprecedented and fraught with consequences.
Day 5: Execution Day – February 8, 1587
Destination: Fotheringhay Castle Courtyard
Today is the main event. Arrive early at Fotheringhay Castle to secure your spot in the courtyard. Witness the solemn procession as Mary, dressed in black with a crimson petticoat symbolizing martyrdom, ascends the scaffold. Hear her final words, a declaration of innocence and unwavering Catholic faith, before the axe falls. It’s a sobering but essential experience for understanding the drama and tragedy of Mary’s life.
Day 6: Aftermath and Reflection
Destination: Local Inns and Taverns
Spend the day discussing the political and cultural repercussions of Mary’s execution. Debate with locals about Elizabeth’s decision and its impact on Anglo-Scottish relations, Catholic-Protestant tensions, and the eventual union of the crowns under Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland (and later James I of England). Share a pint at a nearby tavern and exchange theories on what might have happened had Mary’s life taken a different course.
Day 7: Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots
Destination: Peterborough Cathedral
Visit Peterborough Cathedral, where Mary was initially buried. Her remains were later moved to Westminster Abbey by her son, James I, but the cathedral offers a poignant place to reflect on her legacy. Mary’s life continues to inspire debates, books, films, and even operas, cementing her status as one of history’s most enigmatic figures.
Did You Know?
- Three Crowns: Mary was queen of three countries: Scotland, France, and (arguably) England.
- The Babington Plot: The coded letters used as evidence against Mary were deciphered by Walsingham’s spy network, a triumph of Elizabethan espionage.
- A Royal Rivalry: Mary and Elizabeth I never met in person, despite their intertwined fates and frequent correspondence.
Tips for Time Travellers
- Respect the Moment: Witnessing an execution, even in the past, requires solemnity. Keep your commentary to a whisper.
- Brush Up on Codes: Familiarize yourself with the Babington Plot’s cipher to fully appreciate the spycraft involved.
- Pack for Winter: February in Northamptonshire can be frosty, so dress warmly for outdoor activities.
Want to Know More?
For further exploration of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her dramatic life, these resources are a great starting point:
- Books:
- Mary Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir
- The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots by Kate Williams
- Websites:
- Historic Scotland: Mary, Queen of Scots (www.historicenvironment.scot)
- BBC History: Mary, Queen of Scots (www.bbc.co.uk/history)
- Articles:
- The Trial and Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in History Today
- Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens on National Geographic
A visit to Fotheringhay in February 1587 offers a front-row seat to one of history’s most gripping dramas. From the grandeur of Mary’s trial to the poignancy of her final moments, this trip provides a deep dive into Tudor politics, religion, and royal intrigue. Don’t forget to pack your quill—this is history you’ll want to write home about.
