War, Destruction, Reconstruction and Reform: The Early Years of Mary, Queen of Scots

After coming to the throne aged six days old, the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots' existence, were marked by warfare surrounding her potential marriage to Edward, Prince of Wales. This talk takes a fresh approach, examining the impact of these wars on the people over whom Mary ruled, showing the devastation caused not just within the fighting zone but the impact of plague and economic disruption throughout the country. Perth was never invaded by English soldiers, but its inhabitants were affected by defensive preparations in case they did arrive, ranging from high taxes (and armed protests against these!) to the evacuation of children. This talk will explore the national experience, and, in particular, the lives of the St Johnstonians, during this crucial period.

Biography

Dr Amy Blakeway is a Senior Lecturer in Scottish History at the University of St Andrews. She is the author of two books and numerous articles on sixteenth-century Scotland, and this talk draws on new research for her third book, due out in 2026. Dr Blakeway also speaks regularly to non-academic audiences, including on Radio Scotland, and has organised an exhibition on the Anglo-Scottish Wars of the 1540s for the Wardlaw Museum in St Andrews which runs from March to September 2026.