This 16th-century L-shaped tower house was visited and lived in by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1566. The ground floor kitchen is cobbled and barrel vaulted. See exhibits of engraved glass panels, paintings, documents and relics telling the story of Mary, Queen of Scots.
History
In 1566 Mary, Queen of Scots came to Jedburgh to preside over a Circuit Court. A 16th-century fortified house, or bastle, was provided by the royal burgh as a residence for the young queen.
However, the headstrong Mary was about to upset the best-laid plans of her ministers. She heard that her favourite, the Earl of Bothwell, had been injured and lay wounded at Hermitage Castle, some 20 miles away.
The queen set out to make the arduous trip to visit the Earl. The journey back was beset with bad weather; the party got lost, and Mary arrived back at Jedburgh perilously ill, perhaps even close to death according to contemporary accounts.
She recovered, though only to face more trouble with rebellious nobles and eventual ouster from the realm. She later remarked, 'Would that I had died in Jedburgh'.
The attractive house where Mary stayed now stands on the edge of a public park, featuring an attractive pear tree garden. The house interior has been converted into a museum, telling the sometimes tragic and always fascinating story of Mary's tumultuous life.
Mary, Queen of Scots Death Mask
One of the prize exhibits is a death mask; a cast taken of her face after her execution at Fotheringhay Castle in England.
The house is divided into separate galleries, each with a different theme. One of the most interesting is the Rogue's Gallery, covering the major figures in Mary's life and death.
The poignant Last Letter Room covers the final thoughts penned by the queen before her execution. Other exhibits display objects associated with the queen, including textiles and portraits. This is a fascinating museum, as fascinating as the story of Mary's life.
More Photos
About Mary, Queen of Scots Visitor Centre
Address: Queen Street, Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland, TD8 6EN
Attraction Type: Museum
Location: Off the A68
Website: Mary, Queen of Scots Visitor Centre
Location map
OS: NT651 206
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions
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Find other attractions tagged with:
16th century (Time Period) - 16th century (Time Period) - castle (Architecture) - Mary, Queen of Scots (Person) - Mary, Queen of Scots (Person) - tower house (Architecture) - tower house (Architecture)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Jedburgh Abbey - 0.1 miles (Abbey) 
Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum - 0.4 miles (Museum) 
Ferniehirst Castle - 1.6 miles (Historic House)
Waterloo Monument - 3.5 miles (Historic Building) 
Mertoun House Gardens - 7.2 miles (Garden)
Dryburgh Abbey - 7.8 miles (Abbey)
William Wallace Statue - 8.4 miles (Historic Building)
Smailholm Tower - 8.7 miles (Historic Building)
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