Elizabeth鈥檚 diplomatic circumstances
Impact on Scotland
Elizabeth had Mary held under guard throughout her time in England.
Mary鈥檚 presence in England caused problems for Elizabeth. Mary, with Catholic help, might try to seize the English throne but Elizabeth feared that if Mary returned to Scotland, she would make the country a base for French and Catholic activities, which Elizabeth opposed.
With Mary imprisoned, the support of the strong, Protestant and pro-English Lords of Scotland was guaranteed.
Heir to the throne
While Mary, Queen of Scots, was Elizabeth I鈥檚 heir, many Catholics believed that Mary鈥檚 right to the English throne was actually stronger than Elizabeth鈥檚.
Elizabeth was suspicious of Mary throughout her reign. While Elizabeth disliked the idea of even considering who might succeed her, Mary knew that she would have to please Elizabeth if she was to take the throne.
However, relations between the two were still difficult for the following reasons:
- Elizabeth had demanded that Mary accept the Treaty of Edinburgh.
- Mary responded by stating that she would consider it if Elizabeth named her as her successor.
- A meeting between the two was cancelled due to persecution of Protestants in France by Catholics.
- Elizabeth wanted to influence Scottish policy and decision making.