British Library - Opening soon – Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens

 

The British Library Step back into a dangerous world   What's on Business Research Learning Shop Support us Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens Opens 8 October 2021, now on sale £16 | Members go free   Follow the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots in their own words in our major new exhibition.   They never met but their fates were intertwined, from their shared beginnings facing the challenges of ruling in a man’s world. Original handwritten letters between the queens take centre stage to show how paranoia turned sisterly affection to suspicion.   Exceptional 16th-century treasures uncover their complex history: Elizabeth’s stirring ‘heart and stomach of a king’ speech; Mary’s 10-page plea for freedom. While communications in code reveal the ever-present threat of conspiracy and espionage, and eye-witness accounts of Mary’s execution vividly bring to life the final and bloody chapter of this dramatic story.     Enter the dark side of the 16th century. Meet the real Elizabeth and Mary. Book now Visit our exhibitions for free British Library Members get unlimited free entry to all our exhibitions and you can bring a friend along at no extra cost. Buy Membership at the Library on the day of your visit and get the price of your ticket refunded. Find out more See their turbulent relationship Step back into the 16th century with a look at three extraordinary letters written following Mary’s arrival into England, presented by the lead curator of our exhibition. Watch now Join historians and biographers to delve even deeper Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots: Two Queens, One Future Monday 4 October, 19.30 At the Library and online Elizabeth and Mary were women of incredible charisma and power. In this lecture, award-winning historian John Guy tells the story of their fraught and tangled relationship. Were the Queens destined to be mortal enemies, or were they able to seek reconciliation? Secure your seat Mary, Queen of Scots: The Power and the Glory Thursday 21 October, 19.30 At the Library and online Far from a naïve Queen, discover how Mary wielded her power and influence. In this lecture, Dr Amy Blakeway shares how Mary managed to rule her own country of Scotland successfully from 1561 until just before her deposition. Secure your seat