Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Stuart was born to James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise, becoming Queen of Scotland at six days old.

Mary became Queen of Scotland upon the death of her father, James V, at the age of six days.

To protect her from English claims, Mary was sent to France, where she was raised in the French court.

Mary married Francis, the Dauphin of France, in a grand ceremony, strengthening the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France.

Mary became Queen of France when her husband, Francis II, ascended the throne, but their reign was short-lived.

Following the death of Francis II, Mary returned to Scotland to assume her role as Queen, a country she had not seen since childhood.

Mary arrived in Edinburgh, where she faced the challenges of ruling a kingdom divided by religious conflict and political intrigue.

Mary married her cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, a union that was controversial and ultimately disastrous.

Mary gave birth to her son, James VI, who would later become King of Scotland and England, uniting the two crowns.

After Darnley's murder and her marriage to the Earl of Bothwell, Mary was forced to abdicate and imprisoned at Loch Leven Castle.

Mary escaped from Loch Leven Castle and fled to England, seeking the protection of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.

Instead of offering sanctuary, Elizabeth I placed Mary under house arrest, where she would remain for nearly two decades.

Mary was moved to Sheffield Castle, where she spent much of her captivity, plotting to regain her throne.

Mary was implicated in the Babington Plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and place herself on the English throne, leading to her trial.

Mary was executed by beheading at Fotheringhay Castle, ending her long struggle for the throne and her life.