Marian civil war

The civil war in Scotland from 1568 to 1573, often referred to as the Marian civil war, was a series of conflicts that followed the abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1567. The war pitted Mary's supporters, primarily Roman Catholics, against the ruling Protestant regency that governed in the name of her infant son, James VI. After escaping imprisonment in 1568, Mary sought to reclaim her throne but suffered a significant defeat at the Battle of Langside. Following this, she fled to England, seeking protection from her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. However, instead of receiving support, Mary was imprisoned by Elizabeth. In Scotland, hostilities continued between the Marian and anti-Marian factions, with intermittent battles and sieges, particularly involving Edinburgh Castle. The war concluded in 1573 with the capture of Edinburgh Castle by the forces loyal to the regency and James VI. The civil war played a pivotal role in consolidating the Protestant Reformation in Scotland and ensuring the continuation of a Protestant-led government.