Queen Elizabeth I signs death warrant for Mary, Queen of Scots
On 1st February 1587, and after weeks of prevarication, Elizabeth finally signed Mary’s death warrant.
She handed it to Secretary Davison, and commanded him to have the warrant passed immediately under the Great Seal and despatched.
Within a day Elizabeth was developing cold feet, complaining about the haste of the warrant, and keeping her distance from the business at hand.
It was at this point that Lord Burghley, acting with a group of Privy Councillors, pressed ahead with despatching the warrant.
They entrusted it to Robert Beale, Clerk to the Privy Council, swearing a mutual oath that they would tell no-one, including the queen, of their proceedings.
Robert Beale and the Earls of Shrewsbury and Kent, the two noblemen to preside at the exEcution, arrived at Fotheringhay on 7th February.
Mary was executed the following day…..
? Artwork: © Carlyn Beccia
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