Warden of the Queen's March

by Nigel Tranter

The story of Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst and his loyal service to the beautiful ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots as both are caught up in the turmoil created by John Knox, the Regent Moray, Darnley, Rizzie, Bothwell and Elizabeth Tudor.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Fiction

340 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The disaster that was Scotland during the Regency of Marie de Guise doesn't get any better with the arrival of the eighteen-year old Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots. She returns to a country divided between Catholic and Protestants some of whom have switched denomination in an effort to gain power for themselves. John Knox is leading the charge against the Catholics and pulling the strings of the Protestant lords, including James Stewart, Mary's illegitimate half-brother a very cold, reserved individual who wrangled the title Earl of Moray from his sister in her gratitude for helping quell a rebellion. These events are seen from the viewpoint of Thomas Kerr Laird of Ferniehirst who though Catholic is married to Janet, William Kirkaldy of Grange's daughter. Kirkaldy is a prominent Protestant noble and the both families were hedging their bets as to which religious faction comes out on top. Thomas is a loyal supporter of Queen Mary who in several instances pardons nobles that rise against her in an effort to unify the country. Darnley, spoiled and debauched is done away, probably by Earl of Bothwell, who was a violent and arrogant individual. After forming a bond with other lords he kidnaps, rapes the queen, and forces a marriage with him. During this time the Earl of Moray is suspiciously absent on purpose so that the mess with Bothwell can develop rather than help his sister avoid it. After all Mary's had a baby who will be king and if Mary isn't queen then someone must be Regent for the child.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told story of Mary, Queen of Scots' time in Scotland during her reign.

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble getting through this book. Too many names and places.