Correct answer: B, C — The queen of Scotland, Mary Stuart (often now called 'Mary, Queen of Scots') was a Catholic. She was only a week old when her father died and she became queen. Much of her childhood was spent in France. When she returned to Scotland, she was the centre of a power struggle between different groups. When her husband was murdered, Mary was suspected of involvement and fled to England. She gave her throne to her Protestant son, James VI of Scotland. Mary was Elizabeth I's cousin and hoped that Elizabeth might help her, but Elizabeth suspected Mary of wanting to take over the English throne, and kept her a prisoner for 20 years. Mary was eventually executed, accused of plotting against Elizabeth I.
Why this question matters
This question is drawn from the “A Long and Illustrious History” section of the official Home Office handbook. Topics from this chapter make up a significant portion of the 24 questions in the real exam, so being able to answer this one comfortably is a small but real step towards passing on the day.
The accepted answer is B, C: “She was suspected of involvement in the murder” / “She asked Elizabeth I for help”. Memorise the underlying fact rather than the option letter — the order of options changes between attempts, and the real exam may rephrase the question.
More questions from this chapter
- Which TWO countries took part in the Battle of Agincourt?
- The Battle of Waterloo was fought against which country?
- The Boer War of 1899-1902 took place in ______
- What did Henry VII do?
- During the Victorian Age, the government promoted policies of free trade
Keep practising
- Take a full practice test on British History.
- Re-read the study notes for this chapter.
- Sit a 24-question timed mock.
- Browse the full question library.