The Casket Letters

The Casket Letters are a series of handwritten documents from the 16th century that played a key role in the assassination of James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, and the subsequent accusation of Mary, Queen of Scots. These letters, allegedly written by Mary to Bothwell, were believed to reveal her involvement in her husband's murder. However, their authenticity has been debated, with some arguing they were forged or tampered with to discredit Mary. The controversy over these letters was significant in the political and religious conflicts of the time, impacting Mary’s reputation and her claim to the Scottish throne.