Mary, Queen of Scots and the Book of Hours

Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots.

Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary's great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.

The book was exhibited in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery in a display alongside other objects associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. Six different pages within the book were revealed, with a new page displayed every three weeks. A QR code will allowed visitors to scroll through the vividly illustrated pages in detail.

An example of the Book of Hours' vivid colours, illustrations, and Latin script. © Neil Hanna

The teenage Mary composed the touching four-line verse in French in the late 1550s, around the time of her marriage to the Dauphin François. The translated poem reads:

“Since you wish to remember me here
in your prayers and devout orations,
I ask you first that you remember
what part you have in my affections.”

The Book of Hours was on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein, for the duration of the display.