David Rizzio

David Rizzio (approx. 1533 - 9 March 1566) was an Italian courtier and the private secretary of Mary I of Scotland. Mary's husband, Lord Darnley, is said to have been jealous of their friendship, and joined in a conspiracy of Protestant nobles to murder him.

Related Topics:
1533 - 9 March - 1566 - Italian - Courtier - Mary I of Scotland - Lord Darnley - Conspiracy - Protestant

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Rizzio (or Riccio) had arrived at the Scottish court in 1561, one of the staff of the ambassador from Savoy. He was handsome (see the detail of his portrait, possibly an unfinished miniature), and a good musician. Towards the end of 1564, he became the Queen's secretary for relations with France. Ambitious, seeing himself as all but a secretary of state, a Catholic, and a foreigner to boot, Rizzio had the Queen's ear, and perhaps more of her person, it was rumored. Jealousy precipitated his murder in the Queen's presence, in her supper chamber at Holyroodhouse. He was stabbed an alleged 57 times.

Related Topics:
Scottish - 1561 - Savoy - Miniature - 1564 - France - Secretary of state - Catholic - Holyroodhouse

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Rizzio's murder was only an incident in the larger campaign by Scottish nobles to contain and control the Queen. However, the fact that he was murdered in Mary's presence, when she was heavily pregnant, made it a particularly shocking event.

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Rizzio is buried at Canongate Kirkyard, Edinburgh.

Related Topics:
Canongate Kirkyard - Edinburgh

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