Mary's execution dress

There has been a recent surge in interest of Scotland's infamous queen Mary Stewart. An exhibition is currently on at the national museum of Scotland, two films are currently in production about the life of Scotland's most tragic figure, as well as a TV series starting in October focusing on her years in France. After reading up the 2013 movie it was said that the book that gave the writer the most influence was a biography by playwright/biographer Stefan Zweig.

From the moment of her birth Mary had been the centre of attention - queen at just six days old she was a coveted prize for both England...

08 Dec 1542 - Mary is born at Linlithgow Palace.

14 Dec 1542 - King James V dies.

01 July 1543 - The Treaty of Greenwich is signed, agreeing for Mary to marry the future King Edward VI of England.

09 Sep 1543 - Mary is crowned Queen of Scotland.

Dec 1543 - The Treaty of Greenwich is rejected as Scotland renews its alliance with France.

May 1544 - The English lead a scathing attack on Edinburgh in order to impose Henry VIII's treaty of the Scots. This becomes known as 'The Rough Wooing'.

07 Aug 1548 - Mary sails from Dumbarton Castle to the safety of France.

24 Apr 1558 - Mary marries the French Dauphin,...