Year 8 - History
Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots
Elizabeth I: why has Elizabeth been represented so differently?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about Elizabeth I's reign before examining some popular depictions of her. They build knowledge about her religious, domestic, and foreign policies before considering why she has been represented so differently.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was executed.
Key Notes
- Religious differences between the Catholic Mary and Presbytarian Scotland led to Mary having to flee the country.
- Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic, was seen by many as the rightful heir to Elizabeth's throne.
- There were a number of plots to execute Elizabeth and replace her with Mary.
- Mary had been imprisoned from when she arrived in England.
- Mary was executed in 1587 for her role in the Babington Plot.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Presbyterian: a Presbyterian is a type of Protestant who believes the Church should be governed by a group of Elders rather than bishops
- figurehead: a figurehead is a person who is in the position of leader but has no real power, or a person in whose name a movement is organised
- plot: a plot is a secret plan to do something illegal or wrong
- spymaster: a spymaster is the head of an organisation of spies
- execution: an execution is the act of carrying out a sentence of death as a form of punishment
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Mary, Queen of Scots and 'Bloody Mary' were the same person.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Religious differences between the Catholic Mary and Presbytarian Scotland led to Mary having to flee the country. Mary Queen of Scots, a Catholic, was seen by many as the rightful heir to Elizabeth's throne.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Presbyterian'
a Presbyterian is a type of Protestant who believes the Church should be governed by a group of Elders rather than bishops.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Mary, Queen of Scots and 'Bloody Mary' were the same person. Correction: The two Marys were cousins, not the same person. Mary was a very common name at this time.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 History guide library.