The Final Stewarts: James V and Mary Queen of Scots

The Scottish monarchy has a rich and complex history, with many notable figures. Among these, two kings stand out as the last of the House of Stewart before the union with England. This article will explore the last Scottish king before James VI and I, and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, who had a tumultuous reign and eventual exile. These two historical figures were not only central to the Scottish monarchy but also pivotal in shaping the nation during a time of religious and political turmoil.

The Legacy of James V

The last Scottish king to wield significant power before James VI and I was his grandfather, James V (1512-1542). Born into the House of Stewart, James V was a colorful and tumultuous monarch, marking the beginning of a period that would be rife with challenges for the Scottish throne.

James V was known for his military prowess, having successfully defeated the English at the Battle of Solway Moss. However, his reign was also marred by personal tragedies, including the death of his wife Mary of Guise and his daughter Mary Stuart, who later became Mary Queen of Scots. Despite these setbacks, James V was able to secure the Scottish monarchy by ensuring the succession through his daughter's right to the throne.

From Grandfather to Mother: Mary Queen of Scots

Following James V, the last monarch to sit on the Scottish throne before the union with England was his mother, Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587). Born in 1542 after her father's death, Mary was just 6 days old when she became the Queen of Scotland. Her childhood was marked by political intrigue, with her mother, Mary of Guise, forming alliances to ensure the young queen's safety and stability.

As she grew older, Mary's fate took a dramatic turn. After her mother's passing in 1560, Mary married the French prince Henry of Guise and embarked on a journey to France, leaving the Scottish throne in the hands of Regents. This period of her life was marked by her struggle to hold her claim to the English throne and her Catholic faith, which was at odds with the Protestant nobles governing Scotland.

The Wars of Reformation and Religious Conflict

The Wars of Reformation, which began in Scotland in the 16th century, were a series of religious conflicts between Catholic and Protestant factions. This period saw a profound shift in Scottish society, with many Scottish nobles converting to Protestantism and aligning themselves with the English crown. These changes had a significant impact on the political and religious landscape of Scotland, shaping the nation's future.

One of the key factors that contributed to the unpopularity of Mary Queen of Scots was her Catholicism. In modern times, this would be compared to having the unpopularity of a Roman Catholic at a football match of a Protestant-dominated team, such as an Old Firm match. At the Govan End at Ibrox Stadium, where fans of Rangers, a traditionally Protestant club, would be highly critical of a Roman Catholic supporter.

Exile and the Union with England

After returning to Scotland in 1561, Mary's reign was marked by political unrest and conflict with her Protestant subjects. Her attempting to restore Catholicism and her involvement in various political plots against her Protestant adversary, Lord Darnley, ultimately led to her downfall. In 1567, she was forced to abdicate in favor of her son, James VI, and was later imprisoned and executed in 1587.

The union between Scotland and England, which followed the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, was a significant moment in British history. James VI ascended to the throne as both King of Scotland and King of England, becoming James I of England. This marked the end of the independent Scottish monarchy and the beginning of a single united monarchy.

Both James V and Mary Queen of Scots played crucial roles in Scottish history, each leaving their mark on the country's politics, religion, and culture. Their stories continue to be studied and discussed, serving as a reminder of the complex and often turbulent nature of the Scottish monarchy.

For further exploration of Scottish history, you may want to delve into the following resources:

National Galleries of Scotland Scotland's People Labour Biographies Smithsonian Magazine

By understanding the lives and reigns of James V and Mary Queen of Scots, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the historical context that shaped the modern United Kingdom.