John Knox (c. 1515-1572)

John Knox was one of the number of Scottish Protestants who were in exile from their home country. At the time, Scotland was ruled by Mary Stuart (Mary I), who had grown up in France and who was a supporter of the old Church. Knox visited England and eventually returned to Scotland, where he came to the fore of the mounting Protestant opposition to the Catholic Mary.

(Image of John Knox from Project Gutenberg )

Mary, who was also in line for the English throne, became entangled in combating Protestant critics at home and plots that pitted her against her cousin, Elizabeth, Queen of England. She was forced to abdicate the throne of Scotland and was finally executed for treason, after being found guilty of plots against the Protestant Elizabeth.