Mary, Queen of Scots: The Royal Rivals (Part 2)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom delve into the life of Mary Queen of Scots, focusing on her experiences in France from the age of five. They discuss the political climate of her childhood, including Henry VIII's attempts to arrange a marriage between Mary and his son. The podcast covers Mary's warm reception in the French court, her betrothal to the Dauphin, and her education and social life among the French princesses. The hosts also explore the political ambitions of Mary's uncles, the Guise family, and their plans to use Mary to control Scotland and potentially claim the English throne. The episode concludes with Mary's marriage to the Dauphin, the death of Mary Tudor, and the Guise's claim to the English throne for Mary, setting the stage for conflict with Elizabeth I. The hosts also discuss the reformation in Scotland and the challenges it posed to Mary's rule.