Lochleven castle keys
Mary, Queen of Scots escaped from the Lochleven Castle in a
boat rowed by a castle page boy and she was met on the shore by
loyal supporters who escorted her to safety.
Keys to the castle
These iron keys - a bunch of eight cabinet keys and a door key -
were found in Loch Leven in Kinross-shire. They date from the 16th
century. It has been suggested that these are keys of Loch Leven
Castle thrown away when Mary Queen of Scots made her escape from
captivity in 1568.
Captivity at Lochleven Castle
Mary was associated with the death of her second husband, Lord
Darnley and was imprisoned at Lochleven Castle. On 24
July 1567, she was compelled to abdicate in favour of her son who
became King James VI of Scotland.
With the help of a few brave friends, Mary escaped from the
castle and immediately rallied a large force behind her. They
engaged in battle at Langside on 13 May 1568, and were soundly
beaten by the army led by the Protestant lords. At this point Mary
decided to leave Scotland and go to England to beg support from her
cousin Elizabeth.