Expert: Malcolm Speechley - 10/28/2007

Question
why was Elizabeth 1 unhappy about Mary Queen of Scots?

Answer
Hi Jake.

Mary Queen of Scots was a Great Granddaughter of Henry VII (Elizabeth I's Grandfather)As such she had a claim to the English crown.

The religious turmoil that had begun in the reign of Elizabeth's father Henry VIII had resulted in England becoming a protestant country. By the time Elizabeth became Queen Mary was the nearest Catholic in line to the throne.

This being the case Mary was the figurehead of many disaffected English catholics who would have preferred to see her on the throne. Numerous plot's were made against Elizabeth's throne and life by these catholics in Mary's name. The extent to which Mary supported these plots is a matter of some debate. Nevertheless her very existence was a threat to Elizabeth. Hence her removal.

Hope this was some help.

Malc.