The Queen of Scots coming to my charge will make me soon grey haired.
Earl of Shrewsbury on hearing that Mary was to be lodged at his house

I think surely, no end can be made good for England, except the person of the Scotch Queen be detained by one means or other in England.
Earl of Sussex to Cecil, 1568

I never writ anything concerning that matter to anyone. There are many in Scotland, both men and women, that can (copy) my handwriting.
Mary defending herself over the Casket Letters in 1568

She denied ever having written to Babington. In tears… she suggested that though it was her (code) it might have been sent by sympathisers in France without her knowledge.
A modern historian 1968

The commission was not really intended as a trial but as a means of setting out the reasons (for Mary's guilt). This was certainly how Mary Stuart thought of it, and with great dignity she refused to appear before it, until it was pointed out that if she did not appear this would be considered an admission of her guilt.
A modern historian 1968

My only crime is to have earnestly wished for liberty.
Mary Queen of Scots at her trial

Mary Queen of Scots has become a legendary figure, a shamefully wronged woman, beautiful, romantic and pitiable. That is a travesty of the truth…She was a woman lacking all moral sense, concerned only with her own selfish ends.
A modern historian 1964

Without doubt the extreme Catholics used her for their own ends: without doubt Mary was a party to their plots.
A modern historian 1964

The evidence of the Casket Letters has shown not only that Mary was (innocent of) murder, but also where the guilt belongs to be.
A modern historian 1965

Mary could have solved many of Elizabeth's problems and made herself safe by dropping her claim to the English throne. By refusing to do so, she was playing a dangerous game and putting her own life at risk.
A modern historian 1990

Mary could not help being what she was. As a Catholic and heir to the English throne she was bound to attract Catholic plotters to her cause.
A modern historian 1994

Mary Queen of Scots had always been surrounded by traitors and untrustworthy friends, but perhaps she was her own worst enemy.
A modern historian 1968

She was pleading with Elizabeth for kindness and at the same moment she was hand in glove with Throckmorton in his plot for the invasion of England and the (murder) of Elizabeth.
A modern historian 1964

Can I be responsible for the criminal projects of a few desperate men, which they planned without my knowledge or participation?
Mary Queen of Scots at her trial

No living person has ever been accused of crimes so frightful and odious as yours.
Sir Amias Paulet, Mary's custodian, appointed by Elizabeth.

You have planned in divers ways and manners to take my life and to ruin my kingdom by the shedding of blood.
Elizabeth I to Mary, October 1586

I am the true kinswoman of the Queen of England. I came to England on my cousin's promise of assistance against my enemies and rebel subjects, and was at once imprisoned.
Mary before her trial at Fotheringay