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.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Elizabeth I: why has Elizabeth been represented so differently? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
was Catholic, switched to Protestant
Protestant
Catholic