Historic Letter by Mary Queen of Scots to be Exhibited in Perth
A letter written by Mary Queen of Scots just hours before her execution will be publicly displayed for the first time in nearly a decade. The manuscript, which is considered her final correspondence, will be exhibited at the Perth Museum starting January 23, 2026, lasting until April 26, 2026.
Details of the Letter
This poignant letter was crafted at 2am on February 8, 1587, directed to Henri III of France. It was penned just six hours prior to Mary’s execution at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire. Written in French, this rare artifact is usually kept securely at the National Library of Scotland due to conservation concerns.
Alison Stevenson, the director of collections, access, and research at the National Library, described the upcoming exhibition as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the public to view the historic letter.
Previous Displays and Significance
The letter was most recently showcased for a single day in 2017 at the National Library, drawing large crowds eager to witness this piece of history. The upcoming exhibition at Perth Museum will allow visitors to engage with not just the letter, but a broader context surrounding Mary’s life and legacy.
Associated Exhibitions
In conjunction with this exhibit, a second display titled The Legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots will be hosted at the nearby AK Bell Library. This collection will include notable items such as a manuscript of Robert Burns’ poem “Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, On the Approach of Spring,” and early drafts of Liz Lochhead’s play, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.
A Homecoming for Mary’s Legacy
Ashleigh Hibbins, head of audiences and learning at Culture Perth and Kinross, described the exhibition as a “homecoming” for the letter due to Mary’s deep-rooted connections to the region, especially concerning her imprisonment and subsequent abdication. Hibbins expressed pride in bringing this significant historical piece to light for the public.
Public Sentiment and Government Support
Scotland’s Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson, labelled the letter a “priceless record” that brings to life events from over 400 years ago. He praised efforts to preserve this history and welcomed its exhibition in Perth, aligning it with the National Library’s centenary celebrations. Robertson encouraged all of Scotland and beyond to seize this unique opportunity before the letter returns to storage.
Access and Information
Both exhibitions will be free to the public, encouraging widespread engagement with Scotland’s rich historical narrative. Access to these displays promises to enrich the understanding of Mary’s life and her enduring impact on Scottish history.
Background
Mary Queen of Scots is a pivotal figure in British history, her life marked by turbulence, political intrigue, and her tragic execution. The upcoming exhibition will serve as a reminder of her complex legacy and the historical events that shaped her fate, offering a rare glimpse into the personal thoughts of a woman whose story continues to resonate today.
Source: Original Article
