Last year, the tour hundredth anniversary of her execution saw a plethora of new publications on Mary Queen of Scots None was more successful than Haddington man Douglas Currie's 'From France to Fotheringay'. After a well received premiere during the Haddington Festival, 'From France to Fotheringay' enjoyed a successful run in that 'other' festival, in Edinburgh where it won a 'Scotsman Fringe First' award as an outstanding new work.
Here, Douglas returns to his research on Mary, to write about her little known but highly significant connections with Haddington.
At first glance, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots' connection with the town of Haddington would appear to be somewhat tenuous. The various biographies of her life and indeed her own letters, give scant mention of Haddington. Yet the town of Haddington could claim the strongest possible link in Mary Stuart's fateful life.
Mary Queen of Scots has been far too much written about by non-historians. Her romantic personality and tragic career have had a great appeal for poets, dramatists and general biographers. I now willingly add myself to that long list.
In the research for my play 'France to Fotheringay', I was surprised to discover how few references were made to the Queen of Scots and my native royal burgh.
It is necessary for us to refresh our memories surrounding the birth of Mary, Queen of Scots. In so doing, we shall find that Haddington's appearance in her story, is the first ripple in the whirlpool of Mary Stuart's life.
Mary's father James the Fifth of Scotland died only a few days after her birth. Her mother, Mary of Guise, realising how important the position of her child, the infant Queen, would be in the struggle for power in the royal courts had to decide quickly to arrange a marriage - an alliance for her child.
During this period Of history, Royal children, especially those in direct line of succession, were often married very young, sometimes by proxy, to other royals. It was hoped, that by so doing, a strong alliance would be formed, lands gained and large dowries received. But always, these marriages were arranged for the infants, by those who had most to gain.
Since Mary of Guise had to ensure the strongest alliance possible to secure her daughter's future, she turned to her own native France and accepted, on her behalf, the hand of the Dauphine. In so doing, she knew that a 'Grand Alliance' would be formed; Scotland and France against the ever attacking army of England. And one day, her daughter would also become Queen of France.
Early…
The Scottish and French parliaments convened to meet in Haddington. On the 7th of July 1548, the townsfolk of Haddington rushed to the streets. On foot and on horses splendidly caparisoned with cloth of gold and fleur dy lys, with all the pomp and ritual so beloved of the French court, came the French Parliament and all its colourful retinue.
The Scottish Parliament, though slightly less colourful, arrived and the townsfolk of Haddington were delighted to see that Mary of Guise and the full Scottish court were in the procession.
The two parliaments, the Royal families and the courtiers retired to the church of St Mary's and in a small nunnery nearby, the 'Treaty of Haddington' was signed by both parties.
The treaty was proclaimed for the perpetual honour, pleasure and profit of both realms; the 'Auld Alliance' between France and Scotland had begun. Scotland gave France a Queen, and the French promised to support the Scots against attacks by her enemies.
…and later
In later years, from the vale of Haddington, would emerge two men who would for a time, dominate the life of Mary Stuart. John Knox who became leader of the new reformed religion in Scotland, and James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, who was to be her ravisher, husband and evil genius whose plots for power brought about her downfall.
Douglas Currie 1988
This year, (1988) Lothian Players are again performing a Douglas Currie play, his one act Scottish comedy, 'The Wit to Woo'. This was performed to packed audiences early in May in Haddington, and will feature again during the Edinburgh 'fringe'.