A final, desperate plea penned in the shadow of the executioner’s block is about to leave the secure vaults of the National Library of Scotland. This is the last known letter of Mary, Queen of Scots, written a mere six hours before her death by order of Queen Elizabeth I.
For generations, this fragile manuscript has remained largely hidden, its delicate paper and immense historical weight demanding exceptional care. Few have had the privilege of viewing it directly, a secret held within the library’s walls.
Now, in a remarkable and unprecedented move, the letter will travel north to Perth, offering a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for the public to connect with this poignant piece of Scottish history. The display is part of a larger initiative to bring the National Library’s treasures beyond Edinburgh.
The letter, addressed to her brother-in-law, contains Mary’s final wishes, a testament to her dignity and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. It’s a direct link to a queen facing her final hours, a moment frozen in time.
This isn’t simply a display of an artifact; it’s a homecoming. Perth and Kinross hold a significant place in Mary’s story, being the location of her imprisonment at Lochleven Castle and her daring escape. The exhibition aims to breathe new life into her connection with the region.
Alongside the letter, Perth’s AK Bell Library will showcase a complementary exhibition, “The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots.” This will include Robert Burns’ evocative poem lamenting her fate, and early drafts of Liz Lochhead’s powerful play, revealing how Mary’s story has captivated artists for centuries.
Mary, Queen of Scots, once vilified, has become a figure of enduring fascination. Romanticized in poetry and art, she is now widely regarded as a tragic heroine, a queen whose life and death continue to stir the imagination.
The exhibition seeks to reimagine her narrative, moving beyond the historical record to explore the emotional resonance of her life. It’s a chance to understand not just what happened, but how it *felt* to be Mary, Queen of Scots.
The letter will be on display at Perth Museum from January 23rd to April 26th, presented above the Stone of Destiny and artifacts from the reigns of her son and grandson. Access to both exhibitions is free, offering an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Scotland’s rich and complex past.
This is more than just a display of historical objects; it’s a chance to stand before a tangible piece of history, to feel the weight of centuries, and to connect with the story of a queen whose life continues to resonate today.
