Mary, Queen of Scots created this embroidered panel during her custody in England under George, Earl of Shrewsbury (1528–90). She was initially on good terms with Shrewsbury’s wife, Elizabeth (known as 'Bess of Hardwick'; c.1527–1608), and during this time they planned embroidery works together. They discussed the designs for small panels of canvas and worked in cross stitch with coloured silks on a rectangular frame. This piece includes an interlaced monogram (possibly of Francis II of France) flanked by the Lily of France and Thistle of Scotland surmounted by Royal crown.