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Queen's last letter to go on show | Queen's last letter to go on show |
(about 11 hours later) | |
The last letter ever written by Mary Queen of Scots is to go on display for the first time in 30 years. | The last letter ever written by Mary Queen of Scots is to go on display for the first time in 30 years. |
The 422-year-old manuscript - written six hours before her execution - will go on show at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh on 15 September. | The 422-year-old manuscript - written six hours before her execution - will go on show at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh on 15 September. |
The letter, which will be displayed for seven days, was written on 8 February, 1587 to the King of France, Henri III. | The letter, which will be displayed for seven days, was written on 8 February, 1587 to the King of France, Henri III. |
The Catholic Queen told her brother-in-law she would die a religious martyr and not for purely political reasons. | The Catholic Queen told her brother-in-law she would die a religious martyr and not for purely political reasons. |
King Henri III was the brother of her late husband, Francois II. | King Henri III was the brother of her late husband, Francois II. |
The letter revealed that, just hours from death, Mary asked Henri to ensure her servants' wages were paid. | The letter revealed that, just hours from death, Mary asked Henri to ensure her servants' wages were paid. |
The document will be one of the key exhibits unveiled by the National Library to mark the official launch of its new visitor centre. | The document will be one of the key exhibits unveiled by the National Library to mark the official launch of its new visitor centre. |
Conservation reasons | Conservation reasons |
Its bosses said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a "fascinating piece" of history. | Its bosses said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a "fascinating piece" of history. |
Since the letter was last seen in public 30 years ago, the library's visitors have only been able to view a digitally-enhanced reproduction as it is stored under tightly-controlled conditions to prevent damage from heat, light and humidity. | Since the letter was last seen in public 30 years ago, the library's visitors have only been able to view a digitally-enhanced reproduction as it is stored under tightly-controlled conditions to prevent damage from heat, light and humidity. |
It will only be on display for seven days within a glass case for conservation reasons. | It will only be on display for seven days within a glass case for conservation reasons. |
It is not known when, or if, the original will go on display again. | It is not known when, or if, the original will go on display again. |
The precious manuscript will join 10 other exhibits, which will remain on show until 8 November. | The precious manuscript will join 10 other exhibits, which will remain on show until 8 November. |
The library's new visitor facilities are the result of a £2.24m investment programme, undertaken over the last three years to make it more accessible. | The library's new visitor facilities are the result of a £2.24m investment programme, undertaken over the last three years to make it more accessible. |
Its chief executive, Martyn Wade, said: "The completion of the visitor centre marks an exciting new chapter for the National Library of Scotland." |
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