The download provides access to the full recording of the Mary Queen of Scots and James VI expert webinar (45 minutes) and audience Q&A (30 minutes). 

In this 45-minute illustrated talk, Dr Steven Reid explores the wide range of propaganda, aimed at all levels of community, used by the supporters of the young James VI during the Marian Civil War.

We discover:

• How an infant was used as a propaganda tool against the supporters of Mary Queen of Scots
• The role of the young prince as a potential hostage during negotiations for the freedom of his mother
• The tension and suspicion between the two warring parties - and between a royal mother and her son

The talk examines the wide range of propaganda generated during the Marian Civil War, and argues that, even though James was an infant, he was a vital commodity for the ‘King’s Party’ in their pursuit of power, particularly given Mary was physically absent from Scotland from 1568 onwards. 

Speaker details

Dr Steven Reid is senior lecturer in Scottish History at the University of Glasgow. His research interests lie broadly in the intellectual, political and religious history of Scotland between c.1450 and c.1650, especially the life and reign of James VI in Scotland (1567-1603). He also has a strong secondary interest in Mary Queen of Scots, particularly her relationship with James and the way she has been remembered and reimagined in the centuries since her removal from the Scottish throne. 

Dr Reid is a lead researcher (with Anne Dulau) on the Mary Queen of Scots Project. His monograph The early life of James VI: a long apprenticeship, 1566-1585 was published by Brlinn in March 2023.

Webinar and Q&A recorded live in May 2023. Please note: once purchased, you will receive a PDF download with details of how to view the video recording.