The Pittsburg Scottish Renaissance Faire

It is the year of our Lord, 1562. Scotland is happy to have her Queen, Mary Stewart, back in her sovereign domain. The French have returned home, and peace between England and Scotland is reaching a new high.

Not all is roses for Mary Queen of Scots however. She returned to a Scotland divided by religious strife. The Catholics on one side, and the Reformers on the other side of a chasm that was only growing wider. The nobles of Scotland, always hungry for more power, fought amongst each other. The clans forever at each other’s throat. Mary had already dispatched her stepbrother, James Stewart, the Earl of Moray to the borders to enforce peace there, and she was set to do it again.

It was during this time when Mary decided a Northern progress with the majority of her Nobles was in order. When Lord Gordon, the Earl of Huntley heard this news, he was very pleased. Huntley was the strongest Catholic Noble in Scotland. Even as Chancellor however he could not convince Mary to return the Country to the ancient religion of her fathers. To make matters worse, James Stewart (then the Earl of Mar) the leading Nobleman of the Reformed religion was rumored to be made the Earl of Moray. This inflamed Huntley for it was a much coveted title, one that he had enjoyed for a time, and was eager to reap the benefits of it again (as well as keeping it out the Reformers hands). This brought about the Battle of Corrichie.

Returning to Edinburgh, Mary and her Nobles found another pressing matter. Mary, having survived the battle untouched found themselves concerned about an heir to the throne. To get an heir however Mary must, of course, get married. Mary had declined many Royal offers of marriage, knowing well that Elizabeth would be watching such a match closing. Wanting to maintain English peace, Mary had wanted to seek the advice of the Queen of England. On June 2, 1562 however, Mary did receive and Ambassador from Sweden bringing word from the King, his interest in marriage. Mary also considered proposals from the King of Denmark, the Infant of Spain, and the Archduke Charles (second son of the Emperor). Scottish nobles also made their proposals; John Campbell (second son to the Earl of Argyle) and John Gordon (first son to the Earl of Huntley). Elizabeth, Queen of England however opposed every foreign match, and sent Robert Dudley, Duke of Leicester. This made the Scottish Nobles wary. Everyone knew Liechester was a favorite of Elizibeth’s. Why would she want to give up her favorite? Did Elizabeth want a ‘puppet king’ in Scotland?

This last bit of history is the theme to this years event; “The Courtship of Mary Queen of Scots”. Your choices are many. Do you wish to see a foreign royal sitting as King of Scotland? Perhaps a strong Scottish Catholic as in Sir John Gordon… or a strong Reformer, as in John Campbell? Perhaps Scotland would be best served in terms of peace with England should there be a union there (favorite to Elizabeth or not).