George Talbot: Mary's Reluctant Jailor

George Talbot, a high-ranking Protestant nobleman, initially protested against Mary staying at Sheffield Manor Lodge. However, his wealth and suitable properties made him the ideal choice for Mary's imprisonment and protection.

Definition: Jailor - A person in charge of a jail or prison.

Talbot's role as Mary's jailor came with significant responsibilities. He had to provide weekly reports about Mary to Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth's spymaster. Walsingham discovered that Talbot allowed Mary considerable freedom, which led to increased scrutiny.

Highlight: Mary's room at Sheffield Manor Lodge was embroidered with marigolds and French grapes, symbolic of her heritage.

The lodge itself was built on high ground, offering panoramic views. It featured guarded gardens and fountains, and Mary had input into the design of her room. She was allowed to read, study, and embroider during her captivity.

Quote: "Mary Queen of Scots was treated like a queen, with 16 tapestry-embellished rooms."

The Burden of Captivity and Its Consequences

Keeping Mary at Sheffield Manor Lodge was a significant financial burden for George Talbot. It cost him £3000 per year, while Elizabeth I provided very little financial support. Talbot had to renovate his buildings to make them suitable for Mary's captivity, which further strained his finances.

Highlight: Mary's captivity at Sheffield Manor Lodge required 70 armed guards.

The strain of Mary's captivity took its toll on Talbot. Rumors of a secret affair between Mary and Talbot led to the breakdown of his marriage. By the time of his death in 1590, Talbot was a broken man with very little money left.

The discovery of the Babington Plot in 1586 led to a Privy Council meeting in 1584, after which Shrewsbury was replaced as Mary's guardian. Mary was executed on February 7, 1587, with Shrewsbury signing the execution warrant. This marked the end of Mary's time at Sheffield Manor Lodge and her life.

Example: The Northern Rebellion, led by the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland, was one of the failed plots to free Mary and put her on the English throne.

This study guide on Mary Queen of Scots at Sheffield Manor Lodge provides crucial insights into Elizabethan history, highlighting the complex political and personal dynamics of the time. It serves as an excellent resource for GCSE Elizabethan England students, offering a detailed look at a pivotal period in English history.