February 8, 1587
Northamptonshire, England
Mary Queen of Scots is beheaded for treason

Mary had been suspected to be a part of a murder plot against Queen Elizabeth, taken to trial, and convicted of conspiracy and treason. She went to her death firmly believing she was being martyred (she wore a bright red gown, a symbol of Catholic martyrs) and steadfastly declared her innocence. Her head was removed after two strikes of the axe and held for the crowd to see.