Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots: The Men Who Kept the Stuart Queen

Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots explores the lives and careers of the men and women who kept Mary Queen of Scots as a political prisoner in England from 1568-1587. It reveals the personal lives, loves, and fortunes of these loyal subjects, who bankrupted themselves to keep Mary in the style to which she was accustomed, and fended off countless escape plots. The book also covers the appearances of these men and women on film, TV, novels, and other Mary-related media, keeping the legend of this misunderstood monarch alive.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots delves into the lives and careers of the individuals who guarded Mary Queen of Scots during her captivity in England, spanning from approximately 1568 to 1587. Mary's tumultuous claim to the English throne, deeply resented by her cousin Elizabeth I, positioned her as a formidable adversary of the Virgin Queen. This adversarial relationship set the stage for a dramatic clash, resulting in the survival of only one. Mary's turbulent personal life, marked by assassinations, kidnappings, and abdications, led her to seek refuge in England, ultimately falling into the hands of Henry VIII's shrewd but insecure daughter, Elizabeth. Faced with no alternative, Elizabeth entrusted the responsibility of keeping Mary under lock and key to a select group of highly capable and affluent individuals. These figures included Sir Francis Knollys, Rafe Sadler (renowned for his role in Wolf Hall), the Earl of Shrewsbury, and his wife, Bess of Hardwick. Until now, these nobles have played minor roles in Mary's narrative. However, this book unveils their own lives, loves, and fortunes, offering a comprehensive perspective. From Carlisle Castle to Fotheringhay, these loyal subjects selflessly devoted themselves to maintaining Mary's accustomed lifestyle, while tirelessly thwarting numerous escape attempts, often orchestrated by Mary herself. In a surprising twist of history, it was a honeytrap escape plot orchestrated by Elizabeth's ministers that ultimately led to Mary's execution. However, what about the lives of the gaolers who served as her guardians? This book explores the impact of Mary's legendary charms on Shrewsbury and Bess, ultimately leading to the dissolution of their marriage. Furthermore, it sheds light on the unexpected appearance of Sir Amyas Paulet on Most Haunted, centuries after his demise. In this vein, the book delves into the enduring legacies of these individuals and their roles in shaping the historical narrative surrounding Mary Queen of Scots.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399010993