How and why did Mary Queen of Scots die?
How: Execution by beheading (with an axe, formerly reserved for killing animals) Why: Mary was tried and convicted of treason against Elizabeth I, a curious charge since she wasn’t English. After having relinquished the Scottish throne in favor of her infant son, James VI, and fleeing armies of her own avenging countrymen, Mary Queen of Scots arrived in England in May 1568, requesting asylum with her cousin, Elizabeth I. Whereupon she was immediately imprisoned, and since she had no where to go, she overstayed her welcome for 24 years. Mary was tried for treason on trumped up charges, which alleged involvement in three plots to assassinate Elizabeth I and place herself on the England throne, was found guilty, and subsequently was sentenced to execution by beheading (the customary way royalty and the nobility were put to death) on 8 February 1587. Although Mary was tried by 40 nobles, including Roman Catholics, she argued that she was denied the opportunity to review the evidence, was d
