Title: The politics of religion in the age of Mary, Queen of Scots
Description: Early modern historians have theorised about the nature of the new 'British' history for a generation. This study examines how British politics operated in practice during the age of Mary, Queen of Scots, and explains how the crises of the mid-sixteenth century moulded the future political shape of the British Isles. A central figure in these struggles was the fifth earl of Argyll, the most powerful magnate not only at the court of Queen Mary, his sister-in-law, but throughout the three kingdoms. His domination of the Western Highlands and Islands drew him into the complex politics of the north of Ireland, while his Protestant commitment involved him in Anglo-Scottish relations. His actions also helped determine the Protestant allegiance of the British mainland and the political and religious complexion of Ireland. Argyll's career therefore demonstrates both the possibilities and the limitations of British history throughout the early modern period.
Subjects: Biography, Contemporaries, History, Nobility, Nonfiction, Politicians, Politics and government, Religion and politics, Christianity and politics, Great britain, church history, 16th century, Great britain, history, tudors, 1485-1603, Mary, queen of scots, 1542-1587
Places: Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland
People: Archibald Campbell Argyll Earl of (1530-1573), Campbell family, Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587)
Time periods: 1558-1603, 16th century, Mary Stuart, 1542-1567