# Mary, Queen of Scots, is executed (1587)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1587-mary-queen-of-scots-is-executed
Categories: main-event

Mary was beheaded after evidence linked her to the Babington Plot. Within the broader Tudor Britain period, dynastic consolidation, Reformation, closer incorporation of Wales and Ireland, and rivalry with Catholic Europe transformed the state. This event is placed at 8 February 1587 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. Her execution removed a major dynastic threat but worsened relations with Catholic Europe.

## Why it matters
Her execution removed a major dynastic threat but worsened relations with Catholic Europe.

Ruler at the time: [Elizabeth I](https://english-history.com/rulers/elizabeth-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Mary, Queen of Scots, is executed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Mary%2C+Queen+of+Scots%2C+is+executed&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Mary, Queen of Scots, is executed](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Mary%2C+Queen+of+Scots%2C+is+executed)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281500%E2%80%931599%29)
- [The National Archives — early modern education resources](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/)