Scottish Regency of Morton (1570s)

Timeline

1. 1571Stirling · StirlingIn 1571, Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox, was assassinated at Stirling Castle, leaving the regency vacant. Factions supporting Queen Mary and those backing James VI fiercely contested power between Edinburgh and Stirling.
2. 1572–1578Edinburgh · LothianIn 1572 Morton was chosen as regent, using military and political means to gradually dismantle Queen Mary's strongholds at Edinburgh Castle and elsewhere, consolidate the gains of the Presbyterian reform, and suppress domestic opposition with English aid.
3. 1579–1580Scottish Lowlands · ScotlandBy 1579–1580, Morton's regency continued to control the Privy Council and the army, advancing centralization of royal finances and justice, but his autocratic style also aroused noble suspicion, setting the stage for his forced resignation in 1581.