A letter written by Mary Queen of Scots hours before her execution will be on display for the next 7 days at our very own National Library (George IV Bridge). The original manuscript is on limited display due to the deterioration caused by natural light and handling. Written in French (an English translation is available) the letter is a sorrowful one- in which Mary reaffirms her Catholicism and claim to the English throne.

The recipient was Mary’s brother-in-law, King Henri III of France.  She had written to him throughout her imprisonment at Fotheringhay.  The letter is a remarkable document- Mary clearly believes she is dying as a martyr to her Catholic faith, she also seems preoccupied about the loyal servants who joined her English imprisonment, she asks only that their wages are paid.

It should be noted that Henri III didn’t actually provide the wages and pensions which Mary so poignantly sought, it  was King Philip II of Spain who honored her last wish.