Card #08 · Base
← Historical Figures
Queen Consort of England, Scotland and Ireland
Mary of Modena
Mary Beatrice d'Este
1658–1718HistoryHistorical FiguresEuropeJacobites of Europe
The Queen Who Preserved the Jacobite Bloodline
The Story
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 Significance
- 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.
In the Collection
Claim Your Legacy
Are you Mary of Modena or an authorized representative? Verified submissions are reviewed by our editors before publishing.