OUT&ABOUT

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The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket

A rare and intricately crafted silver casket, believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has gone on display at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling. On loan from National Museums Scotland, the late 15th or early 16th century French casket has been said to be the container for the so-called “Casket Letters” - documents used to implicate Mary in the murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley.

The intricately crafted silver casket has been said to be the container for documents used to implicate Mary, Queen of Scots in the murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley. Whether genuine or forged, the letters became a turning point in Mary's fate, and the silver box that may have held them remains one of the most compelling artefacts in Scottish history. This is the first time the casket, which is on display until 31 August, has been shown in Stirling, not far from Stirling Castle, where Mary spent part of her childhood and held court as queen.