Scotland, like many other nations during the Protestant Reformation, became a nation full of turmoil. Mary, Queen of Scots, also known as Mary Stuart, remained to be the single most important advocate of Catholicism in Scotland. Constantly, the young queen was forced to fight off Protestant rebels. The Battle of Carberry would lead to the fall of Catholicism in Scotland.
In Scotland, John Knox was the leading supporter of the Protestant Reformation. His ability to attract followers led to Scotland becoming Presbyterian. Knox condemned Mary Queen of Scots for many reasons. However, Catholicism wasn't the only major factor. There were also problems with marriage and the Kingdom, which enraged the Queen.[1]
James Hepburn, who was believed to have killed Mary's first husband, became her third spouse when she was 24 years old.[2] After this, many Scots began to get tired of her rule. This marriage was supposedly scandalous, and several people believed the Lord of Bothwell was in it for himself- and wanted to be King.[3] As a result, a rebellion ensued, headed by James Stewart of the County of Moray. At first, the Queen had some support, including from her husband. However, after a long standoff, many of Mary’s troops began to disband and return home. There were many instances of people apologizing.
However, it was quite clear the result of the battle may have already been decided. Mary soon surrendered. Although known as the Battle of Carberry Hill, a battle never actually ensued, and Mary surrendered.[4] With the surrender of Mary, Catholicism’s influence over Scotland was all but dead. Mary was raised in France and therefore knew nothing else. However, many saw her as corrupt and not suited for the Kingdom of Scotland.[5] Mary Queen Scots held a strong claim to the throne of Scotland and even England, as she was related to Henry VIII.[6]
By 1567, the year of Mary’s abdication, Scotland was already very Protestant. With the fall of Mary, Scotland was to become a haven of Protestantism. Soon, Presbyterian’s would dominate the Kingdom. Still today, John Knox and the land of Scotland remain to be mainly Presbyterian.
Although not quite a battle, Carberry Hill is one of the most important events in Scottish history. Thanks to the fall of Mary Queen of Scots, the land was set to become Presbyterian.
[1] John Knox, The History of the Reformation in Scotland (Edinburgh: Printed for the Bannatyne Club, 1846), 333.
[2] John Knox, The History of the Reformation in Scotland (Edinburgh: Printed for the Bannatyne Club, 1846), 295.
[3] Ibid.
[4] John Knox, The History of the Reformation in Scotland (Edinburgh: Printed for the Bannatyne Club, 1846), 351.
[5] John Knox, The History of the Reformation in Scotland (Edinburgh: Printed for the Bannatyne Club, 1846), 323.
[6] John Knox, The History of the Reformation in Scotland (Edinburgh: Printed for the Bannatyne Club, 1846), 267.
