Basics of Scottish History Quiz: Mary, Queen of Scots

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Prior to the Anglo-Scottish Union of the Crowns, Scotland had been ruled by a long line of independent monarch stretching back into the Dark Ages. Of all these rulers, by far the best-known is Mary, Queen of Scots. Properly styled Mary I, she reigned over Scotland from 1542 to 1567, undoubtedly one of the most tumultuous periods in the nation's history. Her story - replete with drama, intrigue, and tragedy - has been captivating people around the world ever since.

But how much do you know about Scotland's most famous monarch? Our quiz will test you on the basics of Mary's life, focusing on her person rule in the 1560s. Will you be an all-conquering expert on all things Marian? Or will you prove totally clueless? There's only one way to find out...

Created by: Dr Allan Kennedy of Centre for Scottish Culture, Dundee
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  1. The second wife of King James V, who was the mother of Mary I?
  2. Who was the first person to serve as Regent during the minority of Mary I?
  3. In which remote location was Mary briefly hidden following the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Pinkie (1547), before being moved on to Dumbarton Castle?
  4. Which of the following was NOT one of the 'Four Marys' who served as ladies-in-waiting to the young Queen?
  5. Which King of France was Mary's first husband?
  6. In which year did Mary, now a widow, return to Scotland?
  7. Held between 1561 and 1564, how many interviews did Mary have with the Protestant reformer John Knox?
  8. Which nobleman rebelled against Mary in 1562, only to suffer a quick and total defeat?
  9. Which of these northern religious sites did Mary visit during a progress around her kingdom in 1564, reputedly remarking that she found it 'beautiful'?
  10. Mary's second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, was heir-apparent to which Scottish earldom?
  11. What is the name commonly given to the rebellion led by the Earl of Moray that Mary defeated in 1565?
  12. What was the name of Mary's private secretary, who was murdered in front of her as part of an attempted coup in February 1566?
  13. At which castle in November 1566 did Mary hold a conference with some of her leading advisers to discuss how to deal with the problem of Lord Darnley?
  14. At which royal residence did Mary hold magnificent baptismal celebrations for her son Prince James in December 1566, generally acknowledged as one of the high-points of Renaissance culture in Scotland?
  15. By what method was Lord Darnley murdered in February 1567?
  16. To which castle did the Earl of Bothwell take Mary in April 1567, having abducted her on her way back to Edinburgh from Stirling?
  17. Where did Mary's army confront, and ultimately surrender to, the Confederate Lords in June 1567?
  18. Who was Mary's principal keeper during most of her incarceration in England
  19. What was the name of the plot against Elizabeth I that Mary became embroiled in during 1586, ultimately occasioning her execution?
  20. Where was Mary executed in 1587?

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