Mary is executed
Mary was put on trial, found guilty of The crime of betraying one's country, sovereign or government. and was executed on 8 February 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle. The executioner held up her severed head and shouted 鈥淕od save the Queen鈥.
Elizabeth鈥檚 reaction to Mary鈥檚 execution
Elizabeth had always believed that executing Mary would lead to bigger problems, such as an international backlash, which is why she held off executing her for so long. When Mary was found guilty of treason, Elizabeth hesitated to sign her death warrant. When she eventually did sign, she refused to submit it, but her secretary secretly took it. When Elizabeth found out, she was furious and he was put in the Tower for 18 months. Elizabeth wrote to King James apologising for the death of his mother, Mary.
Consequences of Mary鈥檚 death
As it turned out the consequences were not as serious as Elizabeth had feared:
- France - fearing the might of Spain, they wanted to maintain their A union formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries. with England.
- Spain - were already at war with England due to the action of the 鈥English pirates commonly involved in attacks on Spain.鈥 and events in the Netherlands.
- Scotland - King James VI was on the throne of Scotland, he was Elizabeth鈥檚 heir and so he took no action.
- EnglishChristians whose religious leader is the Pope. - remained loyal to Elizabeth.