On 10th July 1559, Henry II King of France died as the result of a terrible wound to his eye suffered while jousting. Standing by his bedside were his son the Dauphin Francis and his young bride Mary, Queen of Scots. So at the age of just 15 Francis became King of France while Mary aged 16 became Queen Consort. It looked as though the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France would become even stronger. But tragedy struck again when in December 1560, the sickly Francis died. Mary took the fateful decision to return to Scotland – a country that she had not seen since she was sent to France for her own safety in 1548.
Little did she know the challenges that lay ahead of her as she set sail for Scotland in August 1561. Awaiting her was a greedy, feuding nobility, which included her ambitious half - brother James Stewart. In her absence there had also been a religious revolution which had seen the Catholic Church overthrown and replaced by a Presbyterian Church of Scotland led by the determined John Knox.
This illustrated talk will chart the events that were to lead to her execution at Fotheringhay Castle in February 1587. Renowned Edinburgh Historian Eric Melvin is our speaker. Eric is a retired local Headteacher and has had several books published on the subject of Scottish History.
This is one of four talks this series being delivered jointly by Museums & Galleries Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Festival Voluntary Guides (EFVGA). This is a new venture. The EFVGA has been offering free Royal Mile Festival walks since 1947. More information about the EFVGA can be found on their web site - edinburghfestivalguides.org.
Book on the link or by calling Lauriston Castle on 0131 336 2060
Mary, Queen of Scots