Mary StuartCelebrated Crimes

Mary Stuart was born to James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise and she became Queen of Scotland when she was just six days old. After a politically complicated life marked by her tumultuous reign marriages and alliances Mary becomes a central figure in the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants during a period of intense political strife. Mary's first marriage to the French Dauphin Francis II connects her to the powerful French monarchy but after his death she returns to Scotland a country rife with religious and political upheaval. Her reign is further complicated by her controversial marriage to Henry Stuart Lord Darnley a cousin with a claim to the English throne. Their relationship becomes tumultuous and Darnley’s eventual murder leads to scandal and suspicion surrounding Mary. Following a series of misfortunes and mounting opposition Mary is forced to abdicate the Scottish throne in favor of her son James VI. She seeks refuge in England where she hopes to find protection from her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. However her presence in England stirs fears of her claim to the English throne and she becomes a pawn in the political games between factions.