The Four Stuart Queens · Queen of Clubs
Mary of Modena
Queen Consort of England, Scotland and Ireland
1658–1718
The Queen Who Preserved the Jacobite Bloodline
Born Mary Beatrice d'Este into an Italian noble family, Mary of Modena married James, Duke of York, in 1673.
When her husband became James VII of Scotland and II of England in 1685, she became Queen Consort of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Her Catholic faith placed her at the center of intense religious and political controversy.
In June 1688, Mary gave birth to James Francis Edward Stuart, providing the monarchy with a male Catholic heir. His birth intensified opposition to James's rule and became a major factor in the political crisis surrounding the Glorious Revolution.
Following the overthrow of her husband, Mary escaped to France with their infant son. There, she became a leading figure of the exiled Stuart court at Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
After her husband's death in 1701, she continued to defend her son's claim to the throne.
Historical Legacy
Mary of Modena was instrumental in preserving the exiled Stuart succession. Her son, James Francis Edward Stuart, became the claimant known to supporters as James VIII and III and to opponents as the Old Pretender.
