I have certain rhythms to my historical reading and watching. Every August/September, I re-watch Reign, the most historically accurate and entirely entertaining re-telling of Mary, Queen of Scots life. And then I like to follow it up by reading a historical book on Mary or someone close to her. (It is a good balance of fun with serious.) Sadly, here is where I admit I knew very little of Marie de Guise, other than she had blank letters signed by Mary to use in Scotland. However, there is a lot more to Mary de Guise’s life, and this biography does give a lot of insight into both Marie and Mary. I would recommend that anyone interested in Mary, Queen of Scots read The Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise, and learn more about the Franco-Scottish ties that dominated their lives.
The Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise, Melanie Clegg
Although Mary, Queen of Scots continues to fascinate both historians and the general public alike, the story of her mother, Marie de Guise, is much less well known. A political power in her own right, she was born into the powerful and ambitious Lorraine family, spending her formative years at the dazzling and licentious court of François I. Although briefly courted by Henry VIII, she instead married his nephew, James V of Scotland, in 1538.
James’ premature death four years later left their six day old daughter, Mary, as Queen and presented Marie with the formidable challenge of winning the support of the Scottish people and protecting her daughter’s threatened birthright. Content until now to remain in the background and play the part of the obedient wife, Marie spent the next eighteen years effectively governing Scotland, devoting her considerable intellect, courage and energy to safeguarding her daughter’s inheritance by using a deft mixture of cunning, charm, determination and tolerance.
The last serious biography of Marie de Guise was published in 1977 and whereas plenty of attention has been paid to the mistakes of her daughter’s eventful but brief reign, the time has come for a fresh assessment of this most fascinating and under appreciated of sixteenth century female rulers.
Why You Need to Read This….
The life of Marie de Guise tends to get a little bit of time and attention in MQoS biographies, but not much. She is relegated to “mother in Scotland”, for the most part. However, she led a fascinating life herself, and tangled with some powerful rulers. I think that Henry VIII gets more attention than he deserves, and many people seem to now only exist in relation to him. Clegg doesn’t fall into this trap, though. Yes, we do read about how Henry tried to secure her as a bride, but she passed on that offer, and because of her, Scotland held off England for nearly two decades (until her death). This book gives fantastic insight into Marie, and the Scotland that Mary returned to. Overall, a wonderful biography!
Have you read Scourge of Henry VIII: The Life of Marie de Guise?
Cheers,
The Historian
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