The Marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots: Why Did She Not Marry Edward VI of England

In the intricate web of 16th-century diplomacy and politics, the question of why Mary, Queen of Scots, did not marry Edward VI of England has always been a subject of debate. While Henry VIII of England made several attempts to secure a marriage between his son and the Scottish queen, the truth behind this historical conundrum is multifaceted and involves political, religious, and personal factors.

The Rough Wooing and Henry VIII's Ambitions

Richard I the Lionheart, who bore the title 'King of Scotland', was arguably the last English king to successfully marry into Scottish royalty.1 However, by the time Henry VIII set his sights on a union between his son Edward and Mary, the political situation had dramatically changed. The process of securing this marriage was dubbed "The Rough Wooing" by Sir Walter Scott, named for the aggressive tactics used to force the acceptance of this alliance.

Henry VIII had a vested interest in this marriage for multiple reasons. It would strengthen England's influence in Scotland, secure controllable marriage partners for his children, and unite Catholic and Protestant factions under a common royal line. His relentless efforts, however, were met with resistance.

The Scottish Regency’s Preference for France

Although Henry VIII's intentions were clear, the Scottish Regency preferred an alliance with France, which was a contentious move. This decision was not made in isolation but was driven by broader geopolitical considerations and internal political dynamics.

For the Scots, an alliance with France offered several strategic advantages. Historically, France and Scotland shared common enemies, primarily England, and had a long-standing friendship and cultural ties. Furthermore, Scotland needed France to counterbalance the formidable power of England. Additionally, the Scots Catholic nobility favored an alliance with Catholic France over England, which was becoming more Protestant under Henry VIII's reforms.

The Scottish Regency, led by Cardinal Beaton, played a crucial role in setting this alliance. Cardinal Beaton was a staunch supporter of the French alliance and engaged in negotiations that led to the Treaty of Greenwich, which was intended to secure the marriage of Mary and Edward. However, the Scottish Regency rejected this treaty, believing that it was in their best interest to align with France.

The Treaty of Greenwich and the French Marriage

The Treaty of Greenwich, signed in 1543, was a pivotal moment in the discussions surrounding the marriage of Mary and Edward. The treaty proposed a marriage between the two young royals, promising mutual support and security for both Scotland and England. However, it faced significant opposition from the Scottish Regency.

The regency, led by Cardinal Beaton, had a thorough understanding of the potential consequences of aligning with England. They saw the French alliance as a strategic necessity and believed that it would better protect Scotland from English expansionism. Furthermore, the regency was wary of the political and religious reforms being imposed by Henry VIII, which threatened the Catholic Church's influence in Scotland.

Despite these obstacles, King Henry VIII persisted. He believed that a marriage between his son and Mary could be a powerful alliance against their common enemies. However, the Scottish parliament rejected the Treaty of Greenwich, citing the regency's preference for a French alliance and the potential loss of Scotland's independence.

To solidify this alliance, Mary was sent to France to marry the Dauphin and absorb herself in French culture and Catholicism. This move was meant to ensure that she would be integrated into the French royal family and serve as a buffer between England and Scotland.

Conclusion

While Henry VIII's "Rough Wooing" was a sophisticated and persistent strategy, it ultimately failed due to a combination of political, religious, and internal factors in Scotland. The regency's preference for an alliance with France and the Catholic Church's influence, as well as the strategic advantages of such an alliance, played crucial roles in determining the course of history. Mary's marriage to the French Dauphin marked a significant shift in the power dynamics of 16th-century Europe and underscored the complex nature of alliances and marriages in medieval and early modern politics.

References

Brooks, Alison W. "Mary, Queen of Scots, and the French Alliance." The Scottish Historical Review 90, no. 231 (2011): 151-170.

Nicol, Joan. Queen of Scots. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1988.