Photographs of prints depicting the trial and execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. Two photographs recording prints after the original manuscripts from the papers of Robert Beale, Clerk of the Privy Council, which are now preserved in the British Library, see MS Additional 48027, f. 569 and MS Additional 48027, f. 650.

RCIN 618335.1a and RCIN 618335.2a illustrate the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots in the 14-15th October 1586, at the Great Chamber at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire. This print shows the arrangement of the hearing and depicts Mary twice, first entering the court attended by two female figures, and secondly seated before the court in a high chair at the centre.

RCIN 618335.1b and RCIN 618335.2b, show the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay on 7th February 1587. The print illustrates both the lay out and events of the execution and depicts onlookers surrounding a platform. Mary is depicted three times, showing the progress of the event, first she enters with two female figures, she is then attended by her gentlewoman on the platform, and finally the drawing shows the moment of her death, with the Queen kneeling by the block with the executioner axe raised