Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots
I can explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was executed.
Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots
I can explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was executed.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Religious differences between the Catholic Mary and Presbytarian Scotland led to Mary having to flee the country.
- Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic, was seen by many as the rightful heir to Elizabeth's throne.
- There were a number of plots to execute Elizabeth and replace her with Mary.
- Mary had been imprisoned from when she arrived in England.
- Mary was executed in 1587 for her role in the Babington Plot.
Keywords
Presbyterian - a Presbyterian is a type of Protestant who believes the Church should be governed by a group of Elders rather than bishops
Figurehead - a figurehead is a person who is in the position of leader but has no real power, or a person in whose name a movement is organised
Plot - a plot is a secret plan to do something illegal or wrong
Spymaster - a spymaster is the head of an organisation of spies
Execution - an execution is the act of carrying out a sentence of death as a form of punishment
Common misconception
Mary, Queen of Scots and 'Bloody Mary' were the same person.
The two Marys were cousins, not the same person. Mary was a very common name at this time.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
was Catholic, switched to Protestant
Protestant
Catholic