Elizabeth ordered the execution of her cousin Mary, Queen of Scotland, for attempting to assassinate her
England during the reign of Elizabeth I was treacherous. Although the country enjoyed a golden age, she was frequently threatened by France, Spain, and even inside her own country. One of these threats came from Mary, Queen of Scots, her first cousin once removed.
From 1542 to 1567, Mary was the monarch of Scotland. She was a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth because her grandmother was Henry VIII's sister. The English Catholics considered Mary to be the legitimate heir to the English throne since she was a Roman Catholic. Mary was compelled to abdicate in favor of James VI, her infant son, in 1567 due to a rebellion in Scotland.
Mary went to England in search of Elizabeth's protection after a failed attempt to reclaim the crown. Elizabeth saw Mary as a threat to her kingdom because she was aware of her popularity to English Catholics. After being imprisoned for eighteen and a half years, Mary was eventually convicted guilty of planning to kill Elizabeth. On February 8th, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringhay Castle. Elizabeth never selected a successor, therefore in the early 17th century, her reliable advisor Robert Cecil engaged in a negotiation with James VI of Scotland. After Elizabeth I died, James VI, Mary's son, eventually succeeded her as monarch of England.
