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Mary Queen of Scots documents

Mary Queen of Scots documents
Mary Queen of Scots documents
This selection of handwritten documents shows Mary Queen of Scots approving matters relating to the trade of the City of Edinburgh. The documents are dated, numbered and signed, and were presumably held by administrators who regulated the trade of the City.

Mary Queen of Scots reigned over Scotland from December 1542 to July 1567. After spending much of her early life in France, she returned to Scotland in August 1561. These orders span her time in France and Scotland, illustrating the Queen's close control over the affairs of Edinburgh and the nation, even when she was abroad.

Mary Queen of Scots' story is one of diplomacy, intrigue, imprisonment and murder, ending with her execution in 1587. Documents like these show the everyday reality of ruling Scotland, an aspect of her story often overlooked.