"Before returning to Scotland, Scottish reformers and her country's rebellious nobles had openly plotted to depose Mary. But with the political revolution heating up, and the hatred of the Protestants for Catholicism, they agreed to her return. As a ruler Mary issued several proclamations of religious tolerance - the first edicts of toleration in Scotland or Britain." "Despite harsh attacks by Protestant reformer John Knox, Mary refused to abandon her Roman Catholicism. But when she later scandalously married the Protestant Bothwell, widely suspected of murdering her second husband and English cousin Darnley, outraged Scots flew to arms. Mary surrendered and was compelled to abdicate in favor of her infant son James VI (later James I of England)." "She escaped and fled to England. Seeking Elizabeth's protection, Mary was unwelcome by her cousin as a threat to the English throne, She became Elizabeth's prisoner and was suspected of involvement in several ill-fated plots against Elizabeth with English Catholics and others. Charged with treason, Mary was brought to trial, convicted, and executed."--Jacket.