A Rare Glimpse into History: Mary Queen of Scots' Final Words
A haunting reminder of a tragic past, the last letter penned by Mary Queen of Scots is set to be unveiled to the public, offering a unique insight into her final hours.
Imagine being able to witness a piece of history that has remained hidden for generations. Well, prepare to be captivated, as the public is about to be granted a rare opportunity to view Mary Queen of Scots' final letter, written mere hours before her tragic execution.
Mary, imprisoned by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, penned this letter from her cell, where she had endured a 19-year captivity. In it, she addresses her brother-in-law, King Henri III of France, with a chilling declaration: "I am to be executed like a criminal at eight in the morning."
For three months, Perth Museum will showcase this precious manuscript, marking the first time in decades that it has been on prolonged public display. The last time it was exhibited, in 2017 at the National Library of Scotland, long queues formed outside, a testament to the public's fascination with this doomed queen.
Mary Queen of Scots met her fate on 8 February 1587, executed for plotting against Elizabeth. Her four-page letter, written in French, her native tongue, from Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire, reveals her unwavering belief in her right to the English crown and her persecution for her Catholic faith. She declares, "I scorn death and vow that I meet it innocent of any crime."
But here's where it gets controversial... Mary also requests that her servants' wages be paid after her death, a detail that adds a human touch to this tragic story. She signs off as "Your very loving and most true sister, Mary R."
The manuscript, usually kept in secure storage at the National Library of Scotland, is described by Chris Cassels, head of archives and manuscript collections, as "incredibly special" to see in person. He emphasizes its importance, saying, "It gives us an insight into Mary's final hours on earth. It is obviously testimony to how she views herself in those final moments."
Mary Stuart's life was one of intrigue and tragedy. Crowned Queen of Scots at just nine months old, following the death of her father, James V, in 1542, she was raised in France, where she married the Dauphin Francis, heir to the throne. Widowed at 18, she returned to Scotland to rule as queen, her Catholicism viewed with suspicion.
Mr. Cassels highlights Mary's "sincerity of religious conviction" in the letter, describing it as having a "relic-like quality." He adds, "It's in her own hand. It has her signature. She touched it. She folded it up to be sent off to France in the hours right before her death. So it's undeniably a really special document."
The manuscript is carefully preserved in a specially designed mount to protect it from damage. Shona Hunter, who works on document conservation at the NLS, explains the delicate balance between making the document accessible to the public now and ensuring its preservation for future generations. "It's such an important and precious document that we're really careful about who will see it because we want to reduce the amount of light that will fall onto the object," she says. Bright or ultraviolet light, in particular, could cause irreversible damage.
The letter will be on display for three months as part of an exhibition at Perth Museum, opening on 23 January. Ashleigh Hibbins, head of audiences at the museum, calls it a "huge coup." She highlights Mary's many links to the area, including her imprisonment for 11 months in Loch Leven Castle, where she abdicated the throne in favor of her baby son, James VI.
James, raised a Protestant and estranged from his mother from infancy, became James I of England in 1603, following the death of Queen Elizabeth I without a direct heir, uniting the crowns of the two old enemies. The fractured relationship between mother and son is evident in Mary's final letter, where she writes, "As for my son, I commend him to you in so far as he deserves, for I cannot answer for him."
Ms. Hibbins believes the intrigue surrounding Mary's life and death will attract visitors, saying, "To have her last words on display for the first time in a generation, and we believe the first time it's been seen north of Edinburgh, is just fantastic for us. It feels like a bit of a homecoming."
This rare public display offers a unique opportunity to connect with history and reflect on the life and legacy of Mary Queen of Scots. And this is the part most people miss... the chance to witness the raw emotion and conviction in her own handwriting, a powerful reminder of the past.
What are your thoughts on this historic exhibition? Do you think it's important to preserve and showcase such artifacts, or do you believe they should remain hidden to protect their integrity? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
