Momentous anniversary in Sheffield history with arrival of Mary, Queen of Scots

This event is not just an important part of local history, but national history as well, for Mary would spend almost a third of her life here in Sheffield.

We intend to commemorate this important milestone, as was done to very high standard 50 years ago.

We are planning to organise some sort of a civic reception and a historical enactment of Mary’s dignified entry into the town.

This will be performed by a costumed re-enactor to highlight the important entry of what was a reigning monarch at the time into what was then the town of Sheffield.

It is hoped to do a horse-led procession from one part of the site to another with the general public doing their clapping and cheering as they follow her down.

The procession is hoped to be led by a single bagpiper.

We at Manor Lodge have additional costumed re-enactors who will add to the occasion, with Mary being met by the Lord Mayor as well as her two custodians from the time, being the Earl of Shrewsbury and his wife, Bess of Hardwick, both costumed re-enactors.

In addition to this there would be speeches from the main participants and a monologue by Mary, with a grand entrance and music played upon her entry. This is subject to alteration.

The event will be held at Sheffield Manor Lodge, a place where she spent an equal amount of time as she did at Sheffield Castle.

Timings and all up-to-date details – subject to government regulations – can be accessed through our website and Facebook pages – details at the end of this summary.

Mary’s timeline prior to coming to Sheffield:

Landed in England May 16, 1568 at Workington

May 18-July 15, Carlisle Castle. Elizabeth I’s directive to her custodians: “To treat her honourably but see that she does not escape”

July 15-Jan 26, 1569. Bolton Castle, Wensleydale

October 4-January 10 1570. Whilst at Bolton Castle, the long drawn out conference at York to prove Mary’s innocence in Scotland-fails due to the infamous casket letters being produced.

Jan 26-February 4. Long journey south to Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire.

Feb. 4-April 20 1569. Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire under the custodianship of the Shrewsburys.

April 20-Sept 21, 1569 South Wingfield Manor near Chesterfield. First of several planned escape attempts at different places but not instigated.

Sept 21-May 24, 1570. Return to Tutbury Castle for almost seven months.

Whilst at Tutbury, Nov 14, 1569. “The Rising of the Northern Earls” – a plot to put Mary on the throne.

May 24, 1570- Nov 28, 1570. Chatsworth

November 28, 1570. The journey to Sheffield - see below.

On the grey and overcast day of November 28, 1570, Mary and her entourage of 39 persons took the journey to Sheffield.

Little did any of them know that it would be almost 14 years before she would leave her Sheffield base never to return.

This journey of three-and-a-half hours, over the moors from Chatsworth and crossing the Froggatt and Curbar Edges, would have been an awesome sight, with the long train of horses and packhorses meandering on their way into Sheffield.

According to a local writer, on their descent to Totley, they were spotted by labourers toiling in the fields near Holmesfield, who spoke of a long line of riders climbing over the hills of Baslow and crossing Totley moors towards Sheffield.

Dennis's treasures go on show

But to Mary, how forbidding Sheffield Castle must have looked, as she approached ever nearer to its all-enveloping walls.

The townsfolk, including men working in the many smithies, came out and watched the enormous procession of horses and baggage trains go by.

Of course, they had no knowledge of whom or what all the commotion was about, as the transfer had been done in the utmost secrecy.

William Camden – a contemporary historian – stated: “Sheffield was a town of great renown for the smithies therein fortified with a strong and ancient castle which had descended from the Lords Furnival to the Talbots, the Earls of Shrewsbury.”

We see this as a one off chance to promote one of the great events in Sheffield’s heritage and the Friends of Sheffield Manor Lodge are determined not to let this event pass us by.

More details of our plans for the 450th anniversary of Mary, Queen of Scots’ entry into Sheffield will be shared nearer the time, although we are certainly sure that you will want to put Saturday, November 28 into your calendar to commemorate this hugely important event with us.

Please consult our website and Facebook site for up to date details as they unfold: https://www.fosml.org.uk/events

Friends of Sheffield Manor Lodge – https://www.facebook.com/BessOfHardwick

For more information of Mary’s English captivity, then why not purchase my book, Mary Queen of Scots - the Captive Queen in England 1568-87- now recognised as the definitive version of Mary’s English captivity. Special offer if bought from the Friends of Sheffield Manor Lodge – £7.99, post free.

See the website, https://www.fosml.org.uk/mary-queen-of-scots-book/

All proceeds of the book go to the charity.