Sir William Maitland died - On this day in history

Sir William Maitland, the man Mary Queen of Scots named 'Secretary Maitland' died on 9 June 1573 at Leith Prison. Maitland was Secretary of State during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots and Scotland's ambassador at the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England. When Mary fled to England in 1567, he continued to act in her interests, making attempts to restore her to power. He was married to Mary Fleming, one of the 'four Marys' who accompanied Mary Queen of Scots to France.

Lethington was captured after the siege of Edinburgh Castle of 1573 and taken to Leith prison, where he died.