Political Background
On 15 June 1567, the Earl of Moray, Mary's half brother, led a rebellion against Queen Mary. The Queen's husband, Lord Darnley, had recently been killed in mysterious circumstances at the Kirk o'Field in Edinburgh, and she had quickly married the Earl of Bothwell.
Mary surrendered at the Battle of Carberry Hill, was imprisoned and abdicated. Her son was crowned as James VI of Scotland and Moray ruled as the Regent of Scotland. Mary escaped and made her way to England. Her status was uncertain, as she had been accused of crimes and misrule. Elizabeth I of England ordered an inquiry into the question of whether Queen Mary should be tried for the murder of Darnley; the accusers were the Scottish Lords who had deposed Queen Mary the year before.
Read more about this topic: Casket Letters
Famous quotes containing the words political and/or background:
“Motherhood is the second oldest profession in the world. It never questions age, height, religious preference, health, political affiliation, citizenship, morality, ethnic background, marital status, economic level, convenience, or previous experience.”
—Erma Bombeck (20th century)
“In the true sense one’s native land, with its background of tradition, early impressions, reminiscences and other things dear to one, is not enough to make sensitive human beings feel at home.”
—Emma Goldman (1869–1940)