Age of the Reformation: Video playlist

On the death of James V in 1542, the six-day old Mary Stuart became Queen of Scotland. Henry VIII of England wanted her to marry his son and set about trying to make this happen. However, Scotland formed a new alliance with and Mary became engaged to Francois II.

Students could create a diagram centred on Scotland which lists reasons why Scotland became the focus of a power struggle between the English and French. What were the religious, political and economic aims for each nation? Look into why some Scottish nobles were at first drawn to marriage between Mary and Edward, son of Henry VIII, but later turned against Henry. Compare Henry’s combined campaign of diplomacy and military might with modern equivalents. Debate the extent to which Henry was responsible for increased conflict with Scotland and through his tactics during the ‘Rough Wooing’.