The House of Stuart

The House of ‘Stuart’ was originally known by the name ‘Stewart’ but it was Mary, Queen of Scots, who grew up in France, that changed it to ‘Stuart’ - french spelling. Mary is probably the most famous of the ‘Stuart Dynasty’ (also known as Mary Stuart); it was her son, King James VI of Scotland, who was the first ‘Stuart’ King of England – King James I.  This meant that the two thrones of Scotland and England were combined.

Mary’s parents were King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. Mary of Guise was born in Bar-de-Luc, France and she certainly played her part in Scottish history; a devout Roman Catholic, overcame many tragedies and was a strong courageous woman of her time.

King James V of Scotland’s mother was Margaret Tudor – who was daughter of King Henry VII and sister of King Henry VIII.  Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I were first cousins once removed through King Henry VII.

(Mary Queen of Scots was the great granddaughter of King Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I was the granddaughter of King Henry VII.)

Queen Elizabeth’s father was King Henry VIII and her grandfather King Henry VII.

Mary Stuart's (Mary Queen of Scots) grandmother was Margaret Tudor, who was the daughter of King Henry VII and therefore King Henry VII was Mary Stuart’s great-grandfather.

Statue of Mary Queen of Scots

There is a statue of Mary Queen of Scots - located at 143-144 Fleet Street, London, it was built in 1905 - the design of the statue shows her wearing a long dress, ruff collar, cape and small cap.  Mary is buried in Westminster Abbey.

Marble Monument of the Royal Stuarts - St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican - Italy
Designed by Antonio Canova

This Memorial honours the last three members of the Royal House of Stuart - James Francis Edward Stuart, also his sons: Charles Edward Stuart and Henry Benedict Stuart; it is towards the back of the basilica.  The Stuarts are buried in the crypt below the basilica.