Mary Queen of Scots

1542 – Born at Linlithgow Palace; becomes Queen of Scotland at just 6 days old after her father James V dies.

1548 – Sent to France for safety and education; raised at the French court.

1558 – Marries Francis, Dauphin of France.

1559–1560 – Becomes Queen of France, then widowed when Francis II dies.

1561 – Returns to Scotland to rule as queen.

1565 – Marries Lord Darnley; their son James VI is born in 1566.

1567 – Forced to abdicate the throne; James becomes king.

1568 – Flees to England, seeking help from Elizabeth I (and is imprisoned).

1587 – Executed for treason after being imprisoned for nearly 19 years.