Today is Monday, February 8th, 2021.

On this day in 1587, Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded in Northamptonshire, England.

Welcome to Today in True Crime, a Spotify original from Parcast.

Due to the graphic nature of today's events, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes dramatizations and discussions of executions that some people may find disturbing. We advise extreme caution for children under 13.

Today we're covering the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.

Let's go back to Father and Gay Castle, England, on the morning of February 8th, 1587.

Queen Mary held her head high as she approached the stage which had been assembled in the great hall of Fotheringay Castle.

At age 44, she was still stately and beautiful, though her radiant good looks had dimmed

significantly over the previous 19 years.

Being kept in captivity could have that effect.

The platform she walked toward was draped with black fabric,

befitting the mood. It was, after all, where she was about to meet her doom. But from the way

she kept her back straight and held her chin high, you would never be able to tell. When Mary came to

the foot of the stairs leading up to the scaffolding,

she paused. Her jailer, who had looked over her for so long, helped her up. Reportedly,

she responded gracefully. She said, I thank you, sir. This is the last trouble I shall ever give you.

The one-time Queen of Scotland and France

sat in a chair on the stage and looked out at the crowd.

It was a good showing.

Over 100 people had gathered to witness her demise.

She spared a glance at her black-clad executioner.

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