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The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots

Study note

Scotland, like England, was swept up by Protestant ideas during the 16th century. The turning point came in 1560, when the Scottish Parliament abolished the authority of the Pope and made Roman Catholic church services illegal. This created a Protestant Church of Scotland, though, unlike the Church of England, it was not a state Church controlled by the monarch.

These changes set the scene for the tragic story of Mary Stuart, usually known as Mary, Queen of Scots. She was a Catholic, which put her at odds with Protestant Scotland. After trouble at home she fled to England, hoping for help from her cousin Elizabeth I.

Instead, Elizabeth kept Mary a prisoner for around 20 years. In the end Mary was accused of plotting against Elizabeth and was executed. Mary's Protestant son, James VI, became king of Scotland, and would later inherit the English throne too. For the test, link 1560 with Scotland turning Protestant, and remember that the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots was executed under Elizabeth I.

Memory tip: 1560 Scotland turns Protestant; Mary, Queen of Scots (Catholic) executed by Elizabeth I.

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Question 1 of 4

What was the religion of Mary, Queen of Scots?

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Show all questions and answers for The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots(4 questions with explanations)

The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What was the religion of Mary, Queen of Scots?

    • Catholic
    • Puritan
    • Presbyterian
    • Protestant

    Correct answer: Catholic

    Mary, Queen of Scots was a Catholic.

  2. 2. What eventually happened to Mary, Queen of Scots?

    • She led the Spanish Armada
    • She was executed, accused of plotting against Elizabeth I
    • She married Henry VIII
    • She became Queen of England

    Correct answer: She was executed, accused of plotting against Elizabeth I

    Mary, Queen of Scots was executed after being accused of plotting against Elizabeth I.

  3. 3. Who was the Protestant son of Mary, Queen of Scots who became king of Scotland?

    • Charles I
    • Henry VII
    • Edward VI
    • James VI

    Correct answer: James VI

    Mary's son James VI became king of Scotland and later James I of England.

  4. 4. Elizabeth I kept Mary, Queen of Scots a prisoner for 20 years.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Elizabeth I kept Mary a prisoner for about 20 years before her execution.

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