Elizabeth I’s demand that Mary Queen of Scots give up her plan to marry Lord Darnley. Sold at Christie’s for £42,000.
A recently released new film about the relationship between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, one in which certain historical liberties appear to have been taken concerning the generally accepted belief that the two women never actually met, brings a topicality to a letter offered last month in London.
Seen at Christie’s (25/20/12.5% buyer’s premium) on December 12, it relates to Elizabeth’s attempts to prevent the marriage of “our deerest sister and Cousyn the Queene of Scotts” to Lord Darnley and, boldly signed, it was addressed to the governor of Berwick-upon-Tweed and other officials. It also served as a passport for Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, her newly appointed ambassador to Mary.