Mary, Queen of Scots (62 page)

JAMES HEPBURN, EARL OF BOTHWELL “A glorious, rash and hazardous young man.”

JEAN GORDON, COUNTESS OF BOTHWELL She was a woman of strong character, “a proper and virtuous gentlewoman.”

HERMITAGE CASTLE Mary made a 60-mile round trip in a day to visit Bothwell here after he was wounded.

MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS HOUSE, JEDBURGH Mary stayed here in the autumn of 1566 whilst she was recovering from her nearly fatal illness.

MARY AND DARNLEY AT JEDBURGH Contrary to what this picture suggests, Mary accorded Darnley such a chilly reception that he left the next day.

CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE It was here that the fateful chain of events that led to Darnley’s murder were set in motion.

THE MURDER SCENE AT KIRK O’FIELD The bodies of Darnley and his valet may be seen in the orchard (top right). The ruins of the Old Provost’s Lodging are shown to the left of the centre. At the bottom (left), Darnley’s body is carried away, while (right) his valet is buried. At the top left, Prince James cries, “Judge and avenge my cause, O Lord.”

THE DARNLEY MEMORIAL PAINTING This vendetta picture was commissioned by Darnley’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Lennox, who kneel behind James VI beside their son’s tomb. To the right is Darnley’s younger brother, Charles Stuart. Inset is a depiction of Mary’s defeat at Carberry Hill. The painting is littered with inscriptions demanding divine vengeance on the murderers.

THE INFAMOUS MERMAID PLACARD It depicts Mary as a prostitute, with Bothwell’s hare crest below, and bears the legend, “Destruction awaits the wicked on every side.”

DUNBAR CASTLE Bothwell’s power base served as a refuge for Mary after Rizzio’s murder, but was later the scene of her rape.

BORTHWICK CASTLE After being besieged here by her enemies, Mary made a dramatic escape dressed in male attire.

MARY IS LED AWAY FROM THE FIELD AT CARBERRY HILL The Queen surrendered to the Lords, “thinking that she could go to them in perfect safety, without fear of treachery.”