Since we have recently begun to discuss the power and influence of noble women, I had decided to research some queens related to Elisabeth 1. What I have found was the story of Mary, Queen of Scots as presented by biography.com. According to this source, Mary was born in 1542 and quickly received the heir to the throne once her father passed away shortly after her birth. From this point on, Mary's life is a seemingly hectic spiral of events that leads to her ultimate death. Her family lineage was connected to that of Henry VIII and Elisabeth I. According to the source, Mary was betrothed to her cousin, the son of Henry VII. They were not wed because of an outcry from the Scottish community. Mary was later sent to France. She would then marry the French heir and become the Queen consort. After the death of her husband, the source tells us that Marry would return to Scotland. However, the influence of John Knox had made an impact on Scottish society. Mary called for religious tolerance and eventually regained control of the country. According to the source, Things would soon get worse once Mary was involved in a scandal that left her husband dead, and thus her marriage to the primary suspect in her husbands death, James Hepburn. From here, the Scottish community would overthrow her rule and leave her to escape the country. Mary would then seek support from Elisabeth I, who would imprison her. After Mary was imprisoned, she was then sentenced to death. The life of Mary provides a look into the struggles of powerful women. A life tainted by rumors of scandals would eventually be the demise of Mary. Because of the societal influence of people like John Knox, Women like Mary would struggle to keep their reign. In the case of Mary, it would lead to her death.
Source:
http://www.biography.com/people/mary-queen-of-scots-9401343?page=2
1 comment:
It seems that affairs are a popular accusation to women in power!! I wonder if you have heard of the new show "Reign"? It is about Mary Queen of Scots but of course with the show being aimed at a "non-historian" audience, there is more emphasis on her love life within the French court. After reading your post I question how much, if any truth is actually in the show? There are hundreds of movies and television shows that center on the idea of queens and women with power and from the few that I have seen, almost all of them play-up the affairs and scandals part of history. This makes me wonder if just like the people who started these rumors if people of the 21st century also hunger for scandal in order to have something to gossip about at the lunch table? Great post!
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