The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

This section explains the consequences of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed on 8 February 1587 after being found guilty of treason. Her involvement in the Babington Plot, which aimed to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the English throne, provided the final evidence Elizabeth needed to act. At the execution, the executioner held up Mary’s severed head and proclaimed, “God save the Queen.”

Elizabeth’s Reaction to Mary’s Execution

Elizabeth had long resisted calls to execute Mary, fearing the potential political and international repercussions. She believed that executing a fellow monarch would:

• Set a dangerous precedent for the sanctity of monarchs.
• Provoke retaliation from Catholic powers like Spain and France.

When Mary was found guilty of treason, Elizabeth hesitated to sign the death warrant. Although she eventually signed it, she refused to officially authorise its delivery. Her secretary, William Davison, bypassed her instructions and sent the warrant to Mary’s custodians, who carried out the execution.

Elizabeth’s reaction was one of outrage when she learned of the execution:

• She placed Davison in the Tower of London for 18 months as punishment for acting against her wishes.
• Elizabeth sent a letter to King James VI of Scotland, Mary’s son, apologising for his mother’s death and assuring him of her regret. This was crucial in maintaining the peace between England and Scotland.

Consequences of Mary’s Death

Despite Elizabeth’s fears, the consequences of Mary’s execution were not as severe as she had anticipated.

France

• France chose not to retaliate because of its delicate position in European politics.
• Fearful of Spanish aggression, France prioritised its alliance with England over any desire to avenge Mary’s death.

Spain

• Spain had already been at odds with England due to the actions of the Sea Dogs (English privateers attacking Spanish ships) and Elizabeth’s support for the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule in the Netherlands.
• Mary’s execution did not significantly worsen relations, as Spain had already begun planning its invasion of England, culminating in the Spanish Armada of 1588.

Scotland

• King James VI of Scotland, Mary’s son, took no action against Elizabeth.
• James had long maintained a pragmatic relationship with Elizabeth, knowing that he was her heir and stood to inherit the English throne upon her death.

English Catholics

• Despite fears that Mary’s execution might incite rebellion among English Catholics, the majority remained loyal to Elizabeth.
• Years of Elizabeth’s rule had diminished Catholic influence in England, and her policies had effectively weakened the Catholic threat.

Legacy of Mary’s Execution

Mary’s execution marked the end of a long-standing threat to Elizabeth’s rule, removing a key figurehead for Catholic plots. While Elizabeth expressed regret over Mary’s death, the event strengthened her position by eliminating a source of instability. Internationally, England’s alliances and the loyalty of its people ensured that the fallout from Mary’s execution was manageable, solidifying Elizabeth’s reputation as a shrewd and resilient monarch.