Loving this series Claire. You won't believe me, but you (via The Anne Boleyn Files) and the wonderful Simon Schama inspired me to get on and finally do a history degree. Just finished my Masters. There you go. xx

Still loving these Claire...yes very sad account of Mary's beheading...her little dog must have been terrified & heartbroken 😣

So very sad. The part about her little dog is so touching.

"In my end is my beginning"

Rest in Peace, Mary.

In a lifetime...I can't imagine, actually being there and witnessing this execution. I know these people existed, I know this happened...but to wrap your mind around the fact that, it was indeed witnessed so many, many, many years ago...and it truly...happened. Wow...just wow...

Thank you so much, Dr. Claire! I am catching up on all of your recordings since my recent retirement.

I think Elizabeth made the right decision, even with the risks and personal upset it would cause. I get the impression that had the boot been on the other foot, Mary would not have hesitated either. Probably have carried it out sooner. Elizabeth held out as she was better at politics than Mary was. And this was how Tudor politics worked.

I'm so happy I recently found this channel! You are doing an amazing job and I have your books on my wish list for my husband to get me for my birthday or next Christmas! I'm in the United States and your videos are up by the time I'm done making breakfast for my little ones and I've been loving watching them as I have my tea! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication and I can't wait to watch all your videos this year!

🇦🇺🦘 Such a terrible matter, all round. Thank you for explaining what happened, and why. A Queen was executed, and what a dreadful execution it was. ... Also very sad about her little dog. Her dog wouldn't have understood at all, but been terrified at losing its mistress, who it obviously adored. Animals also experience grief. "Thank you" Claire 💓👑👍

Hi Claire, I just happily by accident found your channel. I LOVE IT, I love all things Brit and Tudor. Thank y so much for all your hard work, and giving us such lovely well informed videos💓💗💞💕

Absolutely loving this series you’re doing Claire. Thank you for sharing them with us. Absolutely fascinating :)

Just found this treasure trove of "This Day in Tudor History" videos: magnificent! Thank you, Claire.

I forgot to say Thank You! I so appreciate and look forward to your videos.❤

Discovered this series just in time to enjoy for the rest of the year. I love everything Tudor so you Claire Ridgeway are a treasure and amazing historian thank you! I have a lot of new reading to do and I adore all the tidbits about Spain too. I even watch the ads for The Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society 🏰👑

Thank you. Loving these daily teachings.

The youtube algorithm may be promoting your channel, it just popped up in "recommended". Great videos! Subscribed.

You are the best!! Greatly enjoy all of your videos ❤️

I adore this series. I also enjoyed last month’s Ann Boleyn files. Claire, I know you have way more knowledge about all things Tudor, so my question for you is this: What is your opinion personally of Mary?? In the US, our history classes skewed her as a woman misguided by the shady or weak men in her life. I’d like to know what you personally as a scholar, think. Loving this “on this day” series. ❤️👍🏻

Elizabeth I was a coward in how she dealt with Mary, Queen of Scots. She wanted her dead but wanted someone else to do it and for that I have no respect for her. The one thing I will give leeway on as far as E2 is concerned is that she was no doubt damaged from her childhood but overall, I cannot respect her any more than I can the other Tudors, as fascinated as I am with them. Years ago I read Antonia Fraser's Mary, Queen of Scots and have my own ideas of whether she was guilty as accused; I will read John Guy's account now that you've recommended it. I do enjoy your daily "On this day..." videos very much. I'm learning alot and I look forward to them every day. Thank you!

Excellent as always

absolutely loving Your narrative Claire ...I am riveted - I so enjoy the Tudor period and I thank you for sharing all your views. More, please

I Love History and so enjoy your daily "Today in Tudor History" segments. So glad you included Mary Queen of Scots, as she is one of my favorite Queens of that time period, even though she ruled very little, she too, left a profound mark in History. So thank you.

thank you for this. excellent video.

Am I correct in the belief that Mary's petticoat was in the colour red -- the colour of martyrs? She *was,* after all, making a statement that she was dying as a martyr to the Roman Catholic faith....

Thanks for the information Clair.

What's so sad is in another time or different circumstances mary and Elizabeth could have been good friends and a wonderful support to each other considering what a extraordinary position they held in life

I first got interested in The Tudors in the early 80's when I was about 9 or 10. My mother had a Jean Plaidy book called Mary Queen of Scots. I would read the execution scene at the end of the book, over and over (I was a very morbid child). I was both terrified and fascinated. I have always wondered how much of her novelisation was true (the several attempts to sever the head from the body, the wig), but now I see that according to the eye witness account, it was true.

How did the human species survive the Tudors? Every other person was executed. This must be the most depressing subject matter to study.

Love this series, absolutely love it! Thank you so much for making these! I’ve been watching them at the gym to help me not realize I’m a hamster in a wheel and they really help pass the time!

I think it was always going to be difficult for Mary after her return from France. The Scottish Lords, all the men around her, and she was no doubt young and somewhat naive. Then she marries a man that was at least narcissist if not a phycopath, not once but twice. She lacked wise advice and support for sure. Elizabeth was stuck between a rock and a hard place in regards to poor Mary. I can totally understand why she was ready to die.

I love your videos , what will happen after the end of 2019 when all days have been covered ? Thank you for what you do.

Loving this series.

Always a treat. Thank,you. Missed seeing the cat this time. 😸

'My Heart is My Own' is an excellent book ❤

Just discovered this series Claire. Thank you so much Have just seen the new film and will buy the book you suggest. What a sad ending for Mary and the little dog makes it so poignant.

I love this series so much!

A classic "don't bite the hand that feeds you!" My gosh Mary! Your cousin Elizabeth gave you refuge and then you wanted her throne???

Absolutely Loved this. I Happily subscribed. I have most books on 'Mary' and still have an issue obtaining 'John guys' book. I'll mourn mary our queen 👑 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 on our real date as the georgian calendar change must be taken into account, if we were to really put the real true date on her death. The 8th of February indeed was the true execution date, however we are technically only on the 26th of January if we were to align ourselves with her calendar in her time, as I believe we didn't change to the georgian calendar until 1752. Making her death date 21st of Feb in our time. Very confusing for some but I use reference to the times and calendars on such dates like these as I like to visit the Palace in which she was born (linlithgow) to pay my respects and to lay flowers, also visit the Chapel now turned church. Beautiful place and I adore that I am Just a ten min drive away. I can imagine some people don't ever stop to consider this annoyance of the calendar change in 1752 but as a history lover myself I find it hard to obide by our dates when mourning a person such like Mary for whom many have a very fond heart. I can imagine I'm not the only one who is to be bothered by true dates and calendars. Also, one more thing that truly anoys me when it comes to 'Mary' is the absence of people correcting a common mistake made by many non historical learned people that 'mary queen of scots' was not 'bloody mary'. Sorry this sounds totally pretentious but it bugs me 😂 Thank you for your video. ♥

"Her lips stirred up and down a quarter of an hour after her head was cut off." I can't even imagine that. A chill literally raced down my spine at that line. That witness account - all of what you read - is so gruesome and haunting! I don't know if I can read the whole thing...

Such a sad, scary and terrible end. Puts chills up my spine! >_

Every time I think of the execution of Mary, I picture Katherine Hepburn in ‘Mary of Scotland’ which is wildly inaccurate but entertaining. The scene in which she tells QE1 that she wins because her son will be king is quintessential Hepburn.

Very enlightening

Why do you personally think that Mary showed so little common sense? After all of the reading I’ve done I am still continually amazed at how many poor decisions she made (marrying Darnley, angering the Protestants who made up her royal council, depending on the wrong people like Bothwell to do her bidding or to make decisions for her, etc.). It also seems that she made decisions based on her feelings and not after deliberating the pros and cons of her decisions before acting on them. Do you think that her personality doomed her to her terrible fate, or do you think that had she had wiser advisors and friends she might have been a successful queen and not had the constant friction with Elizabeth I? Thanks for this marvelous daily dose of all things Tudor! It is much appreciated.☺️

Wonderful series. Mary, Queen of Scots, must have been a very brave woman to meet her fate in such a calm manner. I can only imagine how Elizabeth must have tried to find a way to have her killed without the warrant of her death being signed. The court intrigue must have placed Elizabeth in an uncomfortable position.

Further to the death mask conversation.....I just found this: Mary's death on the execution block, at the hand of Queen Elizabeth was characterised by her dignity, bearing and composure. It was common to strike a mask from the severed head as soon as possible after death. The original appearance of the mask would be white and unembellished. This example, which was found by the late Dr Charles Hepburn of Glasgow, in Peterborough where Mary was first buried, has been hand-painted. Four masks were purported to have been made only two of which are available including this one and another at Lennoxlove. The Lennoxlove mask is however much smaller and the features quite different from this one, and Antonia Fraser (Mary's biographer), states that it is more likely to belong to one Hamilton lady. This painted mask is at Mary, Queen of Scots House in Jedburgh. The two masks are kind of similar, the tip of the nose, the mouth, general face shape but one is smaller - I wonder if it could have shrunk? Or one is not authentic.... Here is a link to the website where I found this information: www.marie-stuart.co.uk/Castles/MaryHouse.htm

I love these videos

Claire you video are really amazing. You are soo accurated about the history fact and you help me to impruve my english even if I'm an italian in USA ! ❤

Wow! Loved this. Mary and Elizabeth were both as cunning and ruthless as any male king of the day. In some strange way, in the end, Mary had the last laugh because her son James became king after Elizabeth died.

A truly sad end to someone who, had the tables been turned, would have doubtless willingly presided over the death of her cousin. Yet while Mary lived, she posed a real threat to Elizabeth - and for that matter all of those with a vested interest in maintaining Elizabeth' legitimacy to rule England.

Never heard the story about her dog, it breaks my heart

So sad! And her dog...poor little doll.

Didn’t see the link to the eyewitness account. Could you please share?

I know this is a witless question, but: Why is Mary, Queen of Scots never referred to as "Queen Mary of Scotland" much as Elizabeth Tudor was "Queen Elizabeth I"?

Love these ON THIS DAY series ❤ SO well documented and presented you re actually reliving the drama 👍👍 poor little doggie hiding in his mistress s garments must have been real 💀👀 scared maybe he thought he could protecti his mistress when the details get too gory 🔴 🟥 or traumatising ◼🔲🔘 can always switch off and come back later □♡ THANK YOU ♡ Madam ♡ for these these gems 🔹️🔸️ a big yummy red and green apple🍎🍏 for the teacher with a wee pink ROSE diamond on the green 🥀💐🍏🍎🌞☀️🍂impressionist style or whatevever style you desire ☆ the apple is blood red BUT it s delicious and smiling ¤ THANK U again 🌞🐒❤👍🦋

One of my favourite QE books is “the Queens Bed” Do you know it?

Where is the link to the eyewitness please?

Hey Claire awake at five this am so have enjoyed this video and part two about Mary boleyn, fantastic while eating my scrambled eggs and two ryvitas.... Thanks you and enjoy your day Paula

Mary Queen of Scots is such an interesting person. I'm going to Amazon to buy the book you recommended now. I finished your book - The Fall of Anne Boleyn. Do you think of Elizabeth had released Mary, she would have been a threat to Elizabeth? I cant help but feel Mary was just desperate to be free which made her willing to plot against Elizabeth. Or, have Mary live more at her side than shut away?

The oddity is that it’s not Treason or a being a “Traitor,” after all, she was never a subject, but an independent sovereign… It was never an appropriate charge. She should have used a different charge - conspiracy to overthrow Elizabeth, or something similar.

Strange how times change from 2021 to the death date of Mary , Queen of Scots . If Mary lived in this time period, she wouldn't be put to death , but what would happen to her as a form of punishment ?. Or no punishment !

Really enjoying this series so thanks for doing it. I'm curious about Mary's last words in Latin...what is the English translation?

How absolutely horrific.

Always give a like 👍 before I start watching!! 👸😊

Do you have a Business/Private email that I might contact you at?

Mary Queen of Scots is one of history's most fascinating and tragic figures, from the time of her birth right down to her execution her life was a web of romance danger and intrigue, virtually a queen when only a day old her first memories would have been of much older courtiers bowing and curtsying to her, whilst her mother tried to rule as regent on her baby daughters behalf, sent to France in the care of her mother's French relative's she grew up in the sunny land of France and would have had a marked French accent along with the dress and manners of the sophisticate, her early days in that country was something she had fond memories of all her life, she was spoilt and pampered for she was the darling of the court and married the dauphin when she became of age, meanwhile she possibly did not think much of Scotland for her life was not there yet when she had to return, she was filled with apprehension and deep sadness at the thought of losing all she held dear, but her mother had died and her husband was dead, and so she had to return, Marys brief reign in Scotland was a disaster and she was also Catholic which set her up against the firebrand John Knox and after a series of unwise decisions she lost her crown and became a prisoner, this was where she made the fatal decision to flee to England and one morning before the dawn had risen, she crossed the Solent in a little fishing boat heavily disguised and with only her loyal followers for company, she arrived in England and urged Queen Elizabeth to see her and help her restore her throne, her tragedy was had she decided to go to France she would have had a warm welcome, she would have had her freedom and whilst she may not have been able to persuade Queen Catherine de Medici to raise arms against Scotland she at least would have been no prisoner, as it was Elizabeth sent an armed guard to her residence and she was effectively a prisoner again, there she stayed in England for eighteenth years moving around from one residence to another, Tutbury Castle which to this day is said to be haunted by the ghost of its Royal captive, she was housed in the home of the Earl and Countess of Shrewsbury - she who was known as Bess of Hardwick and they became her gaolers till they were replaced by Sir Amyus Paulet, uprisings were done on her behalf and still she urged impassioned letters to Elizabeth desperately seeking an audience and a chance to get her view across, but it was all in vain, there was the mysterious murder of her second husband Henry Lord Darnley which the English court had viewed with suspicion especially after she wed his alleged murdurer, it was this foolish mistake that had lost her her crown and she suffered a mental breakdown, Elizabeth kept in touch about Marys doings by her ambassador and spies and was distressed by her treatment at the hands of the Scots, the city of Edinburgh rose up against her and she was called a whore and murduress by its citizens, Scotland was a wild rough country, too rough for a delicate young flower who had been reared in the sunny valleys of the Loire to rule, her mother had possessed an iron will and intelligence and had managed quite successfully, but her flighty young daughter had not and the tragedy was, she had no knowledge of her country and its people, Scotsman were crude no French gallants there, much of the country inhospitable and the weather bleak and foreboding, no beautiful palaces lined with rose gardens and cherub spouting fountains there, sadly she was like a fish out of water and her end when it came was inevitable, the most frequently asked questions about Mary are was she a murduress did she write the toxic casket letters? Sadly we will never know like we will never know if she intended to take Elizabeths throne instead of just a bid for freedom, but what we do know is her courage was remarkable and her sad ending is proof of that, the poignant tale of how her little dog faithful to the end refused to leave her mangled corpse is testament to the loyalty she inspired in others, her childhood companion Mary Seton stayed in her service all her life and was with her at the end, but her story does not end there, in 1603 her son James ascended the Englisg throne and he had her removed from her burial place in Peterborough to Westminster Abbey, there she lies in gentle repose her hands clasped in prayer in the chapel Royal of Henry V11, ironically her gaoler and executer Queen Elizabeth lies not far away with her sister Queen Mary - another tragic Queen, the recognition she sought as Elizabeths heiress for so long is here at last, in her final resting place amongst Englands dead monarchs, no doubt it would have afforded her some comfort.

What a horrible, gruesome job by the executioner!! He obviously was not skilled like the one from Calais that took off Anne’s Head. Thanks for the book recommendation!

I think some things go in circles. We all rejoice that despite belittling his daughters, Mary and Elizabeth became Queen of England when Henry's pride and joy (Edward) died at a young age. Anne Boleyn's ultimate revenge after being unjustly beheaded. Catherine of Aragon's final laugh after being shunned and humiliated by Henry. The ultimate "last laugh" and a big f** you, Henry. Mary was Queen of England for a short time, but she married a negligent unloving husband and was unable to bear children - even a daughter, to be her heir. Almost like her mom. Elizabeth ruled for a long time, and didn't have any children by her own choice. Beheades Mary Stuart in shady business, and gives Mary Stuart a new "last laugh" by making her son her heir (not that she had many choices). It is all a big circle of tragedy and pain to everyone involved. Except Henry, that AH got everything he wanted and more.

I remember being shocked when I watched the Elizabeth tv one with Jeremy irons in it at the end of Mary. I've actually got that one. It was beautifully made.

How accurate was the series Reign?

Yes there seem to be a number of "revisions" for the movie. The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth not the least of them. The murder (and portrayal) of David Rizzio, the Earl of Bothwell's hostile and what can most nearly be described as "rape" in the movie, all seem to be at odds with what I read from other sources. I loved the general look of the movie as well as the actresses, but with all the actual drama, it wouldn't seem that they'd need to make stuff up. Thank you so much for your videos.

My favourite was Lady Antonia Fraser's biography of her.

Thank you Claire. Such a sad ending for a Queen of France and Scotland.

I eagerly wait every day to hear what fascinating fact that you are going to discuss. Today talk about Mary queen of Scots was really moving especially when we heard that her dog was hiding under her skirt. What I really feel for her, is when I hear the number of the times the executioner had to yield the axe to finally kill her. What horrible way to die

Her poor tiny dog 😢

so sad,, about MQS she meet a terrifying end,, I had read that somewhere like you stated MQS was wearing a wig,, and when the axe man picked up her head,, the head fell and he had a wig in his hand,, I also "read" something about the axeman taking a I dont know the word garter belt or what ever the eqivelent is is that true ?

😢

Thats very sad.

You know, I've often thought what Elizabeth and Cecil *should* have done was sign the death warrant, build the scaffolding, have everything ready, then when Mary came out on February 8, announce that Queen Elizabeth had granted Mary a stay of execution, to last as "long as the land is at peace, and there is no civil affray". Not only would that have denied Mary martyrdom performance, it would have made Mary herself a hostage against any foreign or domestic attempt to put her on the throne. Any invasion or uprising would mean the end of the stay and the execution would follow summarily. It would put a spoke in the wheel of any invasion plans or Catholic conspiracies for an uprising, because with Mary dead, what would be the point? Mary's heir was the Protestant-raised James VI of Scotland, so no joy there. Thus there's no Spanish Armada victory, but also no precedent set for regicide. Mary lives out her natural span. Win/win! Well, except for Mary's dream of a star turn before "the theatre of the world" as a religious martyr. I really believe Mary would have preferred a dramatic execution to quietly aging and dying in captivity. Another possibility is deporting her back to Scotland. She'd originally fled captivity at the hands of her own lairds for refuge in England, so contacting Scotland and asking, "Hey, want her back?" is a distinct possibility. There'd be little risk since Scotland was firmly Protestant by this time, and her 20-year-old son wasn't likely to step off "his" throne for her. So she'd probably still be kept in some form of custody. But she'd get to know her son, so that would be some consolation. Though whether it would sufficiently satisfy Mary's need for "grandeur" is an open question.

That was a gruesome account at the end there. What’s this about a bit of gristle protruding from her neck?! Henry 8 was at least merciful enough to special order the swordsman from France for a fast and clean cranium removal of Elizabeth’s own mum, Queen AnneB. Elizabeth didn’t offer that to her cousin the Queen, tho. Beheading by ax is so primitive and brutal and messy. The witness noted Mary made little or no sound, tho her lips continued to quiver for a quarter of an hour after its separation from her body?!?! Ugh. Some loose thoughts and impressions on Mary and Liz: Mary definitely was pushing the religious persecution angle. But, it did not seem that Mary was particularly pious like her cousin Mary Tudor or especially Mary’s mother Queen Catarina.Many act devout at the end, esp when one is facing the ax. Maybe not the Howard girl, tho lol. Second: No goodbye letter from Mary to her own son, the future James 1? Was she that estranged from him? I believe he was made to believe she was a witch and he hated Catholicism. Yet he moved his mother’s body to Westminster. Did he have a change of heart about her? But her fate in the end? pretty brutal. Very sad with the dog, very dramatic, the whole ritual. It amazes me, how these ladies give such a performance minutes and seconds away from the chopping block. Even the Howard girl maintained composure methinks. In a way, Just as Elizabeth was born to a mother perhaps unfairly accused, disgraced and executed, James also assumed the throne from the very Queen who accused and executed his mother. She didn’t identify with James? Lastly, If anyone knew the tenuousness and insecurity of her position and claim until and even after she assumed the throne, it was Elizabeth. Barring Henry Fitzroy, a “true”bastard, Elizabeth’s legitimacy was the weakest of Henry’s children, mostly due to the circumstances of her parents’ marriage and the character assassination her mother received. Her own sister jailed her, but I don’t think ever seriously considered executing her. Mostly because even though Elizabeth was Protestant, and her mother was the homewrecker who broke up her parents marriage, Elizabeth was her only surviving sibling, and Mary had no children. And she knew she needed to assume the throne. Elizabeth also knew this about Mary Stewart. ..And yet she did execute. Eliz Even wanted to enact a bit of a “Princes in the Tower” cloak and dagger hit job on Mary. Even Bloody Mary didn’t have it in her to execute the next Legitimate heir to the throne, the next Queen. But Lizzie? TskTsk. If you’re still reading, I’d suggest siding up to my brief bio on Mary Tudor on Medium: link.medium.com/IeGwiPqYCdb

Forgive me, but since Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard had been executed decades before, surely it wouldn’t be a precedent for Mary Queen of Scots to have been the first executed queen?.. in terms of Elizabeth The First’s dilemma?

I wonder if she thought about how close she was to the anniversary of her husband's death, an event which started her own brutal decline....

How did Queen Victoria I continue right after the execution of her cousin, Mary...via a death warrant that she, herself, had signed? Was she affected at all or carried on with business as usual? Thanks

thank you , you make history alive and factual, not Hollywood version. I don't mean to be morbid but I have a question about be heading. When the Monarchs were beheaded...were the heads buried with the rest of the body? Since my childhood was there was a rhyme that implied differed. I.e. Head on a pike. Sorry for being so forward.

I have a question I questioned this did Mary were the red crimson petticoat out of catholic martyr or sense red is the color you wear when your glad someone’s dead and she was happy about her death so did she wear it out of happiness

Love anything to do with the Tudors. I share her birthday and my son was born on her execution date!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

Do you know if there was a death mask made of Mary’s face? I’ve seen something on Pinterest, but to my eye the face does not look anything like the portraits of Mary Queen of Scots.

I'm not sure if you mean she was wearing some kind of bonnet that came off. I have read and heard that she was wearing a wig and when he lifted her head the wig came off and her head rolled over the floor. But I know not all accounts are truthful. It would however have given them a scare if it did happen. I really enjoy all your knowledge of history!! They made a tv series about her too (on Netflix I think) it's as if when they make films or tv series now that it has to have some gimmick like splashing fake blood on the cameras and it has to be violent and the history doesn't matter at all. They made Mary into a hero doing things she would never have done and if you didn't know what it was about, you would never guess it was about her. I always found Mary to be a little dull so to see her like this wonderful selfless superwoman was just silly. It's a shame because young people may think that this is what she was really like.

A very sad end to a very turbulent life. Something I don't understand is how Mary, as an annointed Queen, and not an English citizen could be found guilty of treason? I am a huge fan of Elizabeth I, but to want someone else to take the blame for such an awful decision does not put her in a good light.

"Teasel Tribual!!" 🤩😍🤩😍🤩😍

Going back to the movie comment, it has her with a Scottish accent, but she was brought in in France, so naturally, her accent would be French

I think that Elizabeth lied about not realizing that the death warrant would be executed.

It is sad. Mary never ever learned to hold. The Honours Of Scots. At all.

His new book - the True life of Mary Queen of Scots I didn't read his first, but I'm certain this dissagrees with it. He finds that even by the accounts of her enemies, she was impressive and skillful. Not at all the "heart" based impression people cast upon her. ... Elizabeth delayed because she knew it was all her fault that she was killing her. She had lead Mary to believe that she would help her take back her crown in Scotland. Elizabeth was ruthless, just like her father.

Is it true that Elizabeth kept Mary in prison for about 20 years before she was beheaded?

I believe that the last person who was able to entertain an audience by reciting their own or someone else's text, was Mark Twain.

This was gruesome

Oh wow!!!!very grim.😃

Can someone who isn't even a part of your "nation" be a traitor? I know it was all a confusion back then, but Mary was the queen of the SCOTS, and you would think wasn't then considered a citizen of Britain except due to her parentage. She certainly wasn't hanging around with Elizabeth once they both became queens.

Alison Weir book is my favourite. Very disappointing when the film had them meeting each other.