The early years of Mary, Queen of Scots: war, destruction, and reform

Mary, Queen of Scots: icon, martyr, national obsession. You know her story, but what does she hide?

In December 1542, Mary became Queen at six days old. For the next eight years, Scotland was subject to violent warfare with England over her future marriage.

This talk with Dr Amy Blakeway — Senior Lecturer in Scottish History at the University of St Andrews — is organized in relation with the exhibition “War, destruction and reform: the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots” which will be shown until 20 September 2026 at the Wardlaw Museum within the University of St Andrews.

It takes a fresh approach, examining the impact of these wars on the people over whom Mary ruled, showing the devastation caused not just within the fighting zone but the impact of plague and economic disruption throughout the country. Even those who never saw an English soldier were affected by defensive preparations in case they did arrive, ranging from high taxes (and armed protests against these!) to the evacuation of children.

Dr Amy Blakeway will explore the Scottish experience of war drawing parallels with the present day, and conclude by asking whether given the violence of this war the traditional name of ‘Rough Wooing’ is appropriate.