At the February meeting, Olwen Hawkes, Chair of the Edwinstowe Historical Society, welcomed members to the new venue, a choice made to accommodate the increasing membership. Olwen then introduced David Templeman who presented the second part of his talk regarding Mary Queen of Scots’ life during imprisonment.
Mary was executed by beheading on 8 February 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle, at the age of 44. She was convicted of treason for her involvement in the Babington Plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. She died with dignity, wearing red to signify martyrdom.
During her 19 years of captivity, she had moved from various castles and manor houses, with her living conditions becoming more confined and less confortable, with a gradual reduction in her staff and privileges.