12 A bloody end

Drawing of Mary’s execution, 1587

This drawing of Mary’s execution on 8 February 1587 comes from the papers of an eyewitness, Robert Beale. Mary is depicted three times: at the top left, entering the Great Hall behind the sheriff 1 ; in the centre, facing the onlookers, being disrobed by her gentlewomen 2 ; and top right, on the platform, kneeling at the block with the executioner ready to strike 3 . Also on the platform are the earls of Shrewsbury and ient 4 . A crowd of spectators stand to watch 5 .

Determined to be seen as a Catholic martyr, Mary arrived holding a crucifix and Latin prayer book, and wore an Agnus Dei around her neck and a rosary attached to her girdle. Refusing Protestant prayers, she declared she was “settled in the ancient Roman Catholic religion, and mind to spend my blood in defence of it”. Disrobed, she revealed a petticoat and bodice of blood-coloured crimson, the liturgical colour of Catholic martyrdom.

uhen Elizabeth learned of the execution, she was distressed and angry. She had reluctantly signed the death warrant but had preferred Mary to be killed quietly by her gaolers rather than have a public execution. Although she later denied responsibility for the act, few believed her.

Susan Doran is professor of early modern British history at the University of Oxford. Her catalogue to the exhibition Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens is out on 8 October

VISIT

The British Library exhibition Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens is open from 8 October to 20 February 2022. bl.uk/events/elizabeth-and-mary

LISTEN Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Mary, Queen of Scots in an In Our Time episode. bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b088fs7z