Mary Queen of Scots

During the 1500’s war and sickness were common. War alone took many men including Mary Stuarts father, James V, who was unable to accept the humiliation of his defeat against England and underwent a complete nervous breakdown (Fraser, 11). Previously two of Mary’s older brothers died in infancy only adding to James V’s sorrow which Mary’s birth did not even begin to alleviate (Fraser, 11). Five days following Mary’s birth King James V of Scotland died. Mary Stuart Was crowned as the Queen of Scotland within a year of her birth and though she tried her hardest to be a great leader, many things obstructed her path.

Mary, Queen of Scots was an important child, as she was the only heir to the throne, but some people did not think that she was suitable for the throne due to her gender. As a result of this, two important questions arose; who would lead in her infancy, and who would she marry (Fraser, 12). It was quickly decided that James, second earl of Arran, would govern in her infancy but he soon changed faith and Mary Stuart was crowned at nine months old (Fraser, 17). At the age of five a marriage was arranged between Mary and the Dauphin Francis. Once this decision was made Mary immediately set off for France where she would continue to live for thirteen years. While in France, Mary lived an extremely luxurious life, where she was doted on left and right. The meeting of the Dauphin Francis of France and Mary, Queen of Scots was a great success and not only did the arrangement work out but she was greatly loved by the King of France who wrote that she was the most perfect child he had ever met (Fraser, 22). Mary lived a wonderful life in France but all good things must come to an end.

Throughout the years Mary had grown very fond...

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...ine and people who had once condemned her began to celebrate her as a martyr (Trueman). People began to look at her life differently. She went from and unremarkable queen to an unforgettable figure. Even today people know about her and it will remain that way for years to come. As an adult she made many mistakes but she remained true to herself to the very end and many people would do good to learn from her.

Works Cited

Dunn, Jane. Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004. Print.

Fraser, Antonia. Mary, Queen of Scots. New York: Delacorte, 1969. Print.

Trueman, Chris. "Mary Queen of Scots." Mary Queen of Scots. History Learning Site, 2000. Web. 19 Mar. 2014.

Weir, Alison. Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Murder of Lord Darnley. New York: Ballantine, 2003. Print.