Where is Mary Queen of Scots buried? While her final resting place is in the south aisle of the Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey, she was initially buried at Peterborough Cathedral following her execution in 1587. Nearly a quarter of a century later, her son, James I, arranged for her exhumation and re-interment in Westminster Abbey in 1612, commissioning a magnificent marble tomb to honor her memory.
| Location | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Peterborough Cathedral | 1 August 1587 | Initial burial following execution; nearby Catherine of Aragon's tomb. Undertaken during hot weather to preserve lead coffin integrity. |
| Westminster Abbey | 11 October 1612 | Re-buried by order of James I in the south aisle of the Lady Chapel. Features a marble effigy and inscriptions commemorating her status. |
Mary, Queen of Scots’ burial journey is as dramatic as her life. After her execution at Fotheringhay Castle on February 8, 1587, her body was carefully embalmed and placed in a lead coffin to preserve it during the harsh summer months. On July 30, her remains were transported to Peterborough Cathedral in a solemn procession:
The burial was strategically planned to avoid the hot weather compromising the integrity of her coffin, ensuring her body remained intact until interred near Catherine of Aragon’s tomb.
Nearly 25 years later, in 1612, Mary’s son, James I of England, sought to honor his mother with a more fitting eternal resting place. He commissioned a splendid marble tomb in Westminster Abbey’s Lady Chapel, a testament to Mary’s noble status and tragic legacy. The tomb, crafted by the skilled hands of William and Cornelius Cure, features several striking elements:
This meticulously designed monument not only serves as a final tribute to Mary’s life but also strategically places her near the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary I of England, symbolizing the complex web of royal legacies.
Mary’s burial sites reflect the tumultuous periods she endured and her enduring legacy. Initially laid to rest in Peterborough Cathedral, her move to Westminster Abbey signifies a posthumous recognition and rehabilitation of her status by her son. The presence of her tomb in such a prestigious location ensures that her story remains intertwined with English history and the broader narrative of monarchy and power.
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Following the article’s discussion on Mary Queen of Scots' burial, you can watch the video "Inside The Tomb Of Mary Queen Of Scots" by OffWithOurHeads, which delves into the historical significance and current state of her final resting place.
Although you cannot view Mary’s actual grave, you can visit her impressive tomb at Westminster Abbey. Her only son, King James I, honored her with a beautiful memorial directly opposite Queen Elizabeth I’s resting place, located in the area of the Abbey that requires an entrance fee. Many visitors still leave flowers there to pay their respects and reflect on the tumultuous history that shaped both Mary’s life and the story of the British monarchy.
In a remarkable twist of fate, Mary’s lineage ultimately prevailed. Upon Elizabeth I’s death in 1603, Mary’s son James VI of Scotland became James I of England—uniting the crowns and founding a new chapter in royal history. Every reigning British monarch since has descended from Mary, as Elizabeth I died without heirs. In this way, Mary’s bloodline endures through the current royal family.
Mary had hoped to be buried in France, but this wish was denied by Queen Elizabeth I. After her execution, Mary’s body was embalmed and kept in a secure coffin until her initial burial in July 1587. Years later, in 1612, her son King James I arranged for her remains to be reinterred in Westminster Abbey, directly across from the tomb of Elizabeth. Though they are not laid to rest side by side, the two rivals of the Tudor era are forever linked by their nearby memorials.
Mary Queen of Scots now rests in Westminster Abbey, in a grand tomb erected under the orders of King James I. After he succeeded Elizabeth I in 1603—creating the Union of the Crowns—James wanted to honor his mother’s memory with a more fitting burial. By September 1612, Mary’s remains were transferred to the Abbey, where visitors can stand in the presence of a monarch whose dramatic life left an enduring mark on both Scottish and English history.
Mary Queen of Scots remains a fascinating figure in history, and knowing her final resting place adds another layer to her intriguing story. From her initial burial at Peterborough Cathedral to her ultimate resting spot in the Lady Chapel of Westminster Abbey, her journey after death mirrors the tumultuous events of her life. It's amazing to think about the centuries that have passed and how her legacy continues to captivate us today.
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