Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary, Queen of Scots

One of the most famous queens in history, Mary Stuart lived in her homeland for just twelve years: as a dauntless child who laughed at her friendsʼ seasickness as they sailed to safety in France and later, on her return as a 18-year-old widow to take control of a nation riven with factions, dissent and religious strife. Brief though her time in Scotland was, her experience profoundly influenced who she was and what happened to her.

In this book, Rosemary Goring tells the story of Mary’s Scottish years through the often dramatic and atmospheric locations and settings where the events that shaped her life took place and also examines the part Scotland, and its tumultuous court and culture, played in her downfall. Whether or not Mary Stuart emerges blameless or guilty, in this evocative retelling she can be seen for who she really was.

Locations included: 

Linlithgow Palace * Stirling Castle * Dumbarton Castle * Leith * Holyrood Palace * Crichton Castle * Darnaway Castle * Huntly Castle * Spynie Palace * Falkland Palace * Seton Palace * St Andrews and Fife * Dunbar Castle * Edinburgh Castle * Traquair House * Hermitage Castle * Jedburgh, Mary Queen of Scots House * Craigmillar Castle * Edinburgh and Kirk o’ Field * Borthwick Castle * Carberry Hill * Lochleven Castle * Langside * Dundrennan Abbey

Reviews of Homecoming: The Scottish Years of Mary, Queen of Scots

'Brings into vibrant focus some lesser-known, intimate details about the young queen that make her wholly relatable today'

–Sally McDonald ― Sunday Post

'Like Mary, Homecoming is fresh and flighty, maddening, but irresistibly unbuttoned'

–Jessie Childs ― Times

'If anyone was able to add anything fresh to the story of Mary's life…then it would be Rosemary Goring, who has carved out an eminent role for herself as a highly respected author of books about Scottish history'

–Ken Lussey ― Undiscovered Scotland