Historic letter revealing plot to reinstate Mary, Queen of Scots to the throne to be sold at auction

Published on 07/11/2012 14:59

A LETTER revealing details of a secret plot to restore Mary, Queen of Scots to the throne in Scotland is to be sold at auction in London today.

• 443-year-old letter revealing details to restore Mary, Queen of Scots to throne to go on sale today

• Letter is expected to fetch thousands of pounds in London

The 443-year-old letter warns then-monarch Elizabeth I of a plan by Thomas Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk, to marry Mary and resintall her in Scotland.

Written by a clerk of the Elizabethan Privy Council, the letter also tells of Norfolk’s departure from the court, fearing the Queen would execute him - which she did, three years later in 1572.

Simon Roberts of Bonhams’ said: : “I would anticipate wide and popular interest [in the letter], particularly with the intriguing element of plot and counter plot.”

The letter, which is expected to fetch £2,000 to £3,000 at auction, wil be sold at Bonham’s in Knightsbridge, London today.