In October 1562, less than three years after her accession to the throne, Elizabeth I contracted the highly-infectious smallpox virus; this led to her becoming critically ill, and subsequently raised questions in regards to the governing of a country with an incapacitated queen, and speculation relating to the future of the English monarchy.

On 08 September 1560, Amy sent away her household for the day, encouraging them to enjoy the first day of the local Abingdon Fair. It was on the servants' return to the hall that evening that they found Amy, at the foot of a ground-floor staircase, dead, with her neck obviously broken.

On 08 February 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringhay Castle, after being found guilty of high treason.

On This Day (17 Nov) in 1558, Mary I, Queen of England, died at St James's Palace, possibly from uterine cancer.

On This Day (14 Oct) in 1586, the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots began at Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire.