The ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ display at the British Library, opened on 7th October and runs until 15th January 2012.
In the ‘Sir John Ritblat Gallery’, ’this small display focuses on Mary’s last years as a prisoner in England, drawing on unique manuscripts from the British Library’s archives, and a collection of recently discovered letters relating to her captivity during the period 1584-85, recently placed on loan at the British Library.’
©British Library
I visited the display earlier this week and it is worth visiting.
Although the display is only in one long display case, it does contain a large number of items. I noted down the British Library information cards about the majority of the items.
Letter – From Mary Queen of Scots to Sir Francis Knollys
1 September 1568
In which Mary asks Sir Francis to intercede on her behalf.
List by William Cecil
‘Things to be considered upon the Scottish Queen’s coming to England.’
Letter – From Queen Elizabeth I to Mary Queen of Scots
21st December 1568
First trial of Mary Queen of Scots, regarding her involvement in the murder of Darnley.
Letter – To Ralph Sadler
12 August 1584
Appointing the former Ambassador to Scotland, Ralph Sadler, as the new keeper of Mary Queen of Scots. As Ambassador in the early 1540s, Sadler held the baby Mary in his arms.
Letter – From Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester to Sir Francis Walsingham
24 December 1584
Dudley writes on behalf of the Queen, instructing Sir Ralph Sadler about his servants not talking to Mary.
Dudley or his secretary had very bad handwriting (my opinion, not the British Library)! It was very difficult to read.
Letter – Queen Elizabeth I to Sir Ralph Sadler
December 1584
Ordering Mary’s removal from the Earl of Shrewsbury’s manor at Wingfield, Derbyshire to Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire.
Inventory of linen and plate transferred from Wingfield Manor to Tutbury Castle in 1585 for Mary’s use.
Letter – Sir Francis Walsingham to Sir Ralph Sadler
19 March 1585
Letting him know Elizabeth I’s displeasure at the amount of liberty given to Mary.
Letter
10 April 1585
Elizabeth I relieves Sir Ralph Sadler of his post.
Elizabeth I’s Speech to Parliament
Elizabeth’s working copy of her speech to parliament responding to Parliament’s call for Mary’s immediate execution.
Letter – James VI to Elizabeth I
Final attempt to save Mary Queen of Scots.
