This recent biography of the two queens offers both traditional and original perspectives on Elizabeth and Mary’s relationship. The men who played important roles in their lives are studied in depth, and it is explained how they fuelled the two cousins’ rivalry. For the most part, this book does not take sides; by remaining neutral, it allows readers to form their own opinions. Often, people do take sides when it comes to these two queens: Elizabeth is either the heroine or the villain, and Mary is either the victim or the villain (I have always considered myself on the Elizabeth team, but I understand the necessity to start the discussion on neutral grounds). The truth is that these two women were set up against one another from the very start. In this book, Williams depicts Mary largely as a victim of circumstance, which allows for discussion around Mary’s agency, and how far her decisions contributed to her downfall.

In this compelling study, Wormald looks at Mary in a different light. In this book, she is no longer a romantic heroine who suffered at the hands of her ‘evil’ cousin; instead, she is depicted as the ruler of a European kingdom, Scotland, who decided to maintain her royal authority over her subjects and her influence over European courtiers (mostly French, but not all). Wormald tackles Mary’s decisions and, at times, argues that they were failures, explaining why they could be perceived as such. Alongside Williams’ book, this could generate interesting discussions and debates around what constitutes a political failure. 

This book is a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in the relationship between the two queens. It remains quite neutral in its approach and offers compelling primary evidence and sources. It is a well-researched book that remains accessible to readers, scholars, students and the public alike. Of particular interest are the ways in which Plowden explains the tensions outside of the relationship between the two cousins, and how the rivalry between the two religions – Catholicism and Protestantism – played a role in the nature of the two queens’ relationship. Plowden explains how, in many ways, the fear of dying, fear of treason and fear of losing power brought out the worst in these women, as well as how they were set up against one another.

An insight into the early years of Mary and Elizabeth's relationship, and how it dveeloped in time.

The two Queens' characters were very different, albeit with traits in common, and this clip explores how.