On this day in history, Feb. 8, 1587, Mary, Queen of Scots beheaded by order of cousin Queen Elizabeth I The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587) on Feb. 8, 1857. She was heard to repeat, "Into thy Hands O Lord, do I commit my Spirit" many times as she went to her death. Mary had ascended to the Scottish throne when she was six days old. She was convicted of plotting to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)