Mary Queen of Scots' 'sick note' manuscript auctions in Edinburgh sale

This manuscript by Mary Queen of Scots uncovered at Blair Castle, Ayrshire, is auctioning next week

An historic letter manuscript written by Mary Queen of Scots, later queen consort of France, is auctioning in Edinburgh, next week (March 14-15).

The letter was found at Blair Castle, Ayrshire (understood to be the oldest continually lived-in mansion in Scotland), and dates to March 14, 1554.

Mary Queen of Scots: sympathetic about gout

Mary Queen of Scots' letter is one of 1,000 lots featuring in the auction. All come from Blair Castle and are expected to bring £500,000 in total.

The single letter is valued at £3,000. Believed to have been written in the Castle's Laird of Blair, the note relieves Blair of his duties because of gout.

Mary Queen of Scots's letter will appear for sale alongside 19th Century Irish dining chairs, valued at around £20,000, and an early-19th Century exercise machine valued at £1,200.

Royal collectibles are among the most secure and coveted 'collectible assets' in the markets, thanks to their breadth of history and patriotic appeal.

That also goes for modern monarchs. Like Diana, Princess of Wales, whose average signed photo value rose by 5.30% (an average of £8,500 to £8,950) between 2010-2011.

We wouldn't be surprised if the Mary Queen of Scots letter sells for significantly beyond its £3,000 presale estimate, considering the market values of other historic monarchs' letters.

Like this King Henry VII autographed historical document (pictured), signed by the first monarch of the House of Tudor and the father of Henry VIII himself.

We have this King Henry VII autographed historical document for sale – you can find out its price here

Few documents have survived the 500-plus years since Henry VII's reign. It is also incredibly rare to find a letter like this such good condition.

So, how much for a Henry VII letter of this calibre? Click here to find out.

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