Ace the UK Citizenship Test 2026 – Unlock Your British Adventure!

Mary, Queen of Scots was executed after spending 20 years in custody, primarily as a consequence of her contested claim to the English throne and the threat she posed to Elizabeth I. Her imprisonment began in 1567, following her forced abdication in favor of her son, James VI. During her time in captivity, she became involved in various plots to overthrow Elizabeth, most notably the Babington Plot, which aimed to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the English throne.

When the plot was uncovered, Elizabeth had no option but to act against Mary due to the political pressure and the potential ramifications of allowing her to live. Mary was tried for conspiracy and her execution was deemed necessary for the security of the realm. On February 8, 1587, she was executed by beheading at Fotheringhay Castle, marking the tragic end of her tumultuous life and reign.

The other options fail to reflect her fate accurately: she was neither exiled, became Queen of Scotland again, nor was pardoned.