Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall

The Life and Murder of Henry, Lord Darnley

Robert Stedall

$49.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Pen and Sword
01 November 2025

Biography: historical, political & military; History; British & Irish history; Early modern history: c 1450 to c 1700

In the early hours of 10 February 1567 a large explosion ripped through the Old Provost's lodgings at Kirk o' Field, Edinburgh, where Mary Queen of Scotland's consort, Henry Lord Darnley, was staying. Darnley's body was found with that of his valet in a neighbouring garden the next morning. The Queen's husband had been suffocated and the ramifications for Mary and Scottish history would be far-reaching. Lord Darnley cuts an infamous figure in Scottish and Tudor history. In life he proved a controversial character, and his murder at Kirk o' Field in 1567 remains one of British history's great, unsolved mysteries establishing whether Mary was implicated has taxed historians ever since. In this engaging and well-researched biography, Robert Stedall re-examines Darnley's life and his murder. It is not to be missed; his investigation brings new light and compelling conclusions to a story surrounded by political betrayal, murder, falsified evidence and conspiracy.

AUTHOR: Throughout his adult life Robert Stedall has been fascinated by genealogy. He is the curator of the popular www.maryqueenofscots.net and author of The Challenge to the Crown and The Survival of the Crown, a ground-breaking two-volume history of Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI of Scotland. He has written Mary Queen of Scots' Downfall, The Roots of Ireland's Troubles, Elizabeth I's Secret Lover and Mary Queen of Scots' Secretary for Pen and Sword.

By: Robert Stedall
Imprint: Pen and Sword
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781399078351
ISBN 10: 1399078356
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 01 November 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Throughout his adult life Robert Stedall has been fascinated by genealogy. He is the curator of the popular www.maryqueenofscots.net and author of The Challenge to the Crown and The Survival of the Crown, a ground-breaking two-volume history of Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI of Scotland. He has written Mary Queen of Scots’ Downfall, The Roots of Ireland’s Troubles, Elizabeth I’s Secret Lover and Mary Queen of Scots' Secretary for Pen and Sword.