The world’s largest Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition has just opened in Peterborough Cathedral with a special programme of events including unique exhibits, talks, a radio play, and the opportunity to experience the historic building after dark with a special candlelit tour and expert curator insights.
Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition – Peterborough Cathedral – until November 15.
This unique part of Peterborough’s famous history will be brought back to life –telling Mary’s story through never before seen artifacts and a curators talk that allows visitors to get up close.
Most people know that Peterborough’s cathedral is home to the final resting place of Katharine of Aragon – the first wife of Henry VIII – but fewer people are aware that the building was also once the burial site of another Royal – Mary Queen of Scots, daughter of James V of Scotland, and first cousin once removed of Elizabeth I.
Mary was executed at Fotheringhay Castle – just a few miles from Peterborough – after plotting to kill Elizabeth – and was laid to rest in Peterborough Cathedral from 1587 to 1612, before her son, James, moved her to Westminster Abbey.
Now a brand new exhibition, telling Mary’s life story has opened in the city. Jack Pishorn, Peterborough Cathedral Chief Operating Officer, said the chance to bring Mary’s story back to life was an exciting opportunity.
He said:
“This is amazing for us, as this is a real true story of the cathedral and an amazing piece of history.
“This exhibition is the story of her life, all the way through to her execution and burial, where she was here for 25 years before her son took to Westminster Cathedral.
“We are very proud to be hosting it and are expecting tens of thousands of people to come through our doors over the next two months.”
Jack said the exhibition would provide the Cathedral with the chance to do more with Mary’s story – even when the exhibition ends.
He said:
“I have always known Peterborough Cathedral as being the resting place of Katharine of Aragon, but not Mary Queen of Scots. It is really important we interpret this story, and this is one step towards doing that. We really want to start growing this into our education programme and are working with external funding to do some permanent installations.
“Peterborough is really struggling with the tourism economy, and we play such an important role in that – by putting on these world class exhibitions, it does bring people into our city, and then it has that big impact on our shops, our cafes, our accommodation spaces.”
John White, curator of the exhibition, said he was thrilled to bring it to Peterborough.
The Candlelight Tour and Curator’s Talk, on October 1 will see him bring the stories of the Cathedral’s past to life in a different light.
He said:
“It has been 439 years since she was laid to rest here in Peterborough, and it is amazing to bring her back here, for people to appreciate in these modern times, and learn more about Mary. It has always been on my hit list to come to Peterborough as this was the last place she was laid to rest before James had her moved to Westminster Cathedral.”
Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibit, and she said:
“It is really important for Peterborough to connect itself with over 400 years of history. This was the burial place of Mary, and it is sometimes forgotten. She was executed at Fotheringhay castle just a few miles away. It is important for everyone who loves history to come and see the exhibition, but also important for Peterborians to know what we have on our doorstep.
Peterborough has got things to celebrate. We have got Katharine of Aragon, but we often forget Mary Queen of Scots, and she is a significant part of our history.”
The exhibition runs until November 15. Tickets cost £8 for adults and £6 for children.
For more information on events and visiting information click here.
