Where Did Mary, Queen of Scots Live in France?

Mary, Queen of Scots, also known as Mary Stuart or Mary I of Scotland, was Queen of Scotland from 14 December 1542 until her forced abdication in 1567.

The only surviving legitimate child of James V of Scotland, Mary was six days old when her father died and she acceded to the throne.

In 1548, she was betrothed to Francis, the Dauphin of France, and was sent to be brought up in France, where she would be safe from invading English forces during the Rough Wooing.

Mary married Francis in 1558, becoming queen consort of France from his accession in 1559 until his death in December 1560.

Widowed, Mary returned to Scotland in August 1561 and following the Scottish Reformation, the tense religious and political climate that Mary encountered on her return to Scotland was further agitated by prominent Scots such as John Knox, who openly questioned whether her subjects had a duty to obey her.

Mary had once claimed Elizabeth’s throne as her own and was considered the legitimate sovereign of England by many English Catholics, including participants in a rebellion known as the Rising of the North.

Perceiving Mary as a threat, Elizabeth had her confined in various castles and manor houses in the interior of England.

After eighteen and a half years in captivity, Mary was found guilty of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth in 1586 and was beheaded the following year at Fotheringhay Castle.

Where Did Mary, Queen of Scots Live in France?

In France, Mary, Queen of Scots lived in Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Situated twelve miles west of Paris, this stunning château is where Mary have spent much of her childhood in the company of the Dauphin.

It is also said to be where the young Mary first met the French Queen, Catherine De Medici.